Works caused mayhem (From Gazette Series)

Works caused mayhem

TRADERS and residents say roadworks in Cam High Street are making life unbearable and could destroy their livelihoods.

The road between Manor Avenue and Cam Pitch has been closed since last Monday for water works, but business leaders in the area say they have reached breaking point.

One trader told how in a whole day last week, when he would normally make a profit, he served just one customer.

Jo Smith, a spokesman for Severn Trent Water which is carrying out alleviation works and replacing a mile stretch of sewer pipes, this week reassured traders by saying that any loss of earnings could be claimed back.

She said: "The works are to prevent flooding in the area. The road closure is for 12 weeks and has been agreed by the Highways Agency which has set up a diversion.

"The sewers were originally built in the Victorian age but we don't live like them. We have washing machines and power showers. There is an entire section that needs upgrading to keep up with modern life.

"All the traders were contacted by letter and invited to meetings. If any of them are feeling that trade is suffering they know who to get in touch with concerning compensation."

However, shopkeepers and residents are fuming within the first week of the repairs and fear for their future.

A1 Appliances, which sells household electrical items, has operated from the High Street for 21 years but owner Paul Cunningham fears the road closure could be the final nail in the coffin for his business.

He told the Gazette: "I am frightened to death. People are avoiding the area as a traffic jam."

He estimated that trade is down 45 percent on last year.

Funeral directors and hardware store L W Clutterbuck has experienced similar problems with a down turn in trade of 35 percent.

Even supermarket giant Tesco is having problems.

Store manager Stephen Auty said: "It is fair to say that customers are finding it very difficult to get to us. Since the roadworks started we have noticed a significant down turn in trade and I am sure that will continue for the duration."

A diversion has been set up encouraging drivers to continue along the A38 and turn off at Tait's Hill. However, many motorists have ignored this advice and cut through Manor Avenue angering residents.

Homeowner Douglas Moore said he is already fed up with lorries and long queues down the street.

He said: "All the traffic is booming up Manor Avenue which is a residential road. No one is taking any notice of the diversions."

A spokesman for Gloucestershire County Council, which is in charge of the region's roads, insisted that the diversion signs were clear.

He added: "Manor Avenue has never been advocated as a diversion route by either Gloucestershire County Council or Severn Trent Water but it is a shorter route. "Unfortunately this means some local people will use this road."

He blamed the water company for any confusion with the diversion signs and added: "We have now instructed them to put in the signs they had originally agreed to provide, which has now been done."

Severn Trent Water said it hopes to have the repair work completed by April 2. Contact Severn Trent Water's customer centre by calling 0800 783 4444.