Call to minimise impact of 'disruptive' roadworks after fall in trade

The leading business support organisation for the borough is calling on Rotherham Council to “work collaboratively” with town centre traders affected by the ongoing regeneration roadworks – after businesses reported a drop in footfall and takings, a rise in parking tickets, and forced changes to opening hours.

Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber cited local businesses already operating in a “challenging economic environment” and urged RMBC it was “vital” disruption during construction is kept to the “absolute minimum” - while access for customers, employees and suppliers should remain “a priority throughout the project.”

Jason Sayles, owner of Riverside Records at Imperial Buildings said the works had seen a “big impact on business.”

“Footfall and customers have both dropped considerably,” he told the Advertiser, “there are a lot fewer passing or casual customers.

“Regular customers are phoning to say they aren't going to come in as they cannot park anywhere near so they are abandoning trips to town.”

Another tenant at Imperial Buildings, Klevis Shametha, has run Rother Greek for the last 18 months.

He said: “We never had a single issue with the business since opening – now roadworks are here and we have had to change our opening hours.

“We used to open at noon – now it’s 4pm because we cannot get deliveries to load and drop off as there is nowhere to park.

“Also customers do not want to sit in here with the dust blowing in when the door opens and listen to all the noise of the machinery outside.”

Kate McQueen who looks after three businesses at Imperial Buildings - The Ministry, Cal’s Kitchen and Sports Box - said: “Takings at the Sports Box alone have dropped significantly.

“Customers are complaining about the poorly fitted fencing and barriers outside which at one point blocked our entrance.

“They then bring dust (from the roadworks) into the pub so when our bar manager finishes in the early hours they have to spray wash floors and then do so again before opening the next day.

“We are then having to pay additional hours for them to do that as it's not part of their job.

“We took over The Ministry four weeks ago – and never had a parking ticket.

“Now we've had seven or eight – because we cannot park up and load and neither can our delivery drivers.

“We were told during the roadworks we can park outside in order to take deliveries but traffic wardens literally told us they 'do not care' and give us tickets anyway. They have been rude."

She added: “I was visited by a RMBC rep who said we could potentially apply for grants up to £10k per business for improvement in the future.

“He then sent me the email with the application forms on the same day – July 31 at just after 2pm - and the deadline was 5pm that day!

“I couldn't open one of the docs and the others were not editable.

“Even if they were, there's no way I could have filled them all in, while running three businesses, in two hours!

'It feels like RMBC want to bring business into Rotherham – but they are forgetting about the businesses that are already here and trying to survive.”

A spokesperson for the owner of Imperial Buildings, said: “We understand these works have to be done and are supportive – it is necessary work.

“However, we are equally understanding of the big impact this is having on businesses in the area.

“Many of the businesses in Imperial Buildings are small businesses so they can't apply for rates relief.

“However, Rotherham Council runs a Shop Front Grant Scheme which means existing businesses can apply for grants for exterior improvements.

“We understand the most recent round of applications has concluded so would urge RMBC when the next phase opens to communicate this extensively and offer guidance – and for the council to prioritise applications by the small businesses in Imperial Buildings.

“We would see this as a positive outcome to the current issues facing small businesses in the town centre.”

Emily Dawson, owner of Holy Ghost Tattoo on High Street, said: “The roadworks are certainly hindering us and are not encouraging people to drop by.

“We are trying our hardest to thrive and doing all we can to support trade in the town centre as independent businesses offering something different to shoppers and visitors but it feels like we're getting no help from the council whatsoever.

“As for parking, the traffic wardens are not being understanding at all and are telling us we need to load out in ten minutes or we'll get a ticket and we don't know how long it will take for us to load into our business.”

Mark McGrail, of SME Holdings - the entrepreneur behind the revamp of the Empire Theatre and who owns other properties in the area – said: “We have empty units people want to move into and can't because of the ongoing roadworks.

“The theatre has lost so much revenue – we delayed events and gave them time to finish believing the works would be done by now but are now in position where we're selling tickets for events which people are struggling to get access to the main entrance for because of the way the (buildings and construction) barriers have been left.

“This should have been short term pain to get a fantastic facade but that's not what has happened.

“God only knows what this is costing.

“I understand there are people at the council working to get this resolved but meanwhile people who are trying to keep their businesses open and trade in the town centre are finding out that when they are Googled it says 'Road closed – businesses closed!'

“There is no compensation and no relief and people are understandably getting angry.

“It appears the contractors have been given carte blanche to do what they like and when – and have taken that as Gospel.

“There should be penalty clauses put in for major projects like this when they aren't completed on time to prevent delays like this.”

Clive Watkinson, chair of Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber transport forum, said: "We have been contacted by a number of local businesses regarding the disruption associated with this scheme and the challenges it may present during its delivery.

“We recognise and support the need for regeneration and investment in Rotherham.

“Improving infrastructure and creating attractive, sustainable places is important for the borough's long-term economic success.

“At the same time, many businesses are continuing to operate in a challenging economic environment, so it is vital that any disruption during construction is kept to the absolute minimum.

“Maintaining access for customers, employees and suppliers should remain a priority throughout the project.

“While we acknowledge that some disruption is inevitable when delivering major improvements, it is important that the expected benefits are balanced against the impact on local businesses and that robust measures are put in place to support those affected.

“We would encourage the council to continue working closely with businesses and stakeholders, both on this scheme and future active travel projects, to ensure that investment delivers the intended long-term benefits while minimising impact on trade and economic activity.

“By taking this collaborative approach, we can support the regeneration of Rotherham while helping local businesses to continue thriving during periods of change."

Andrew Bramidge, executive director for regeneration and environment at Rotherham Council, said: “We recognise that improvement work to the town centre public realm has caused disruption for businesses, particularly those closest to the project, and we thank them for their patience and support as the work continues.

"The council has been in regular contact with businesses throughout the project and will continue to keep those affected updated.

“Unfortunately, utility company works have caused some delays which were beyond our control, but we now expect most of the footway improvements to be completed by the end of this month, with road resurfacing scheduled for September.

“We have tried to maintain as much parking as possible, and we would encourage shoppers to use alternative parking locations, for example the on street parking bays outside the town hall or the car park on Westgate, which is free on weekends and weekdays after 6pm.

“Details of all town centre parking facilities are available on the council’s website.

"Alongside the works, we are investing in support for our high street through initiatives such as the Shop Front Improvement Grant scheme and the recruitment of new High Street Advisers who will work closely with businesses on everything from marketing support to events.

“Although the first round of applications for the shop grant has now closed, the second application opens this August and the third application round opens later this year.

“We urge any interested business to make their application when it opens if they wish to do so.

"We will continue working closely with contractors to minimise disruption and deliver improvements that benefit businesses, residents and visitors for years to come.”