Readers slam town centre construction works for “shocking progress”

“A right mess.”

“Shocking progress.”

“Embarrassing.”

Advertiser readers – including some with mobility issues – have responded to our online report into ongoing roadworks disruption in the town centre affecting trade, custom, and access.

As reported this week, businesses including The Ministry, Holy Ghost Tattoo Collective and Rother Greek shared the impact of the works including a reported drop in footfall and takings, a rise in parking tickets, and – in the case of the latter Greek restaurant - forced changes to opening hours.

Bosses at Riverside Records said regular customers were avoiding town due to lack of parking nearby, while Mark McGrail, of SME Holdings - behind the revamp of Empire and who owns other units in the area – said the theatre had lost “so much revenue” due to events being delayed or lack of access to the venue when they are able to be held.

Commenting on Facebook in response to the special feature, John Malkin said: “I love improving the town centre but this has really become a joke.”

Darren Wheeler said: “Taking far too long – (a) right mess.”

Richard Bradley commented: “It’s shocking progress and awkward to drive as well as limited public access,” while Keith Hough added: “Embarrassing RMBC.”

Julie Sharp posted: “Try going round in a wheelchair. So few places to cross around the roadworks.”

There has been the odd counter comment on Facebook from people such as David Dobbs (“You lot are always moan(ing) you have got a new market,”) and David Stainrod (“Stop chuffing moaning, nobody can do owt right for some of you lot on here”).

But the the overwhelming majority of the 180-plus people posting in response to the article have shared negative views including “About time this was finished,” from Lindsey Wright, “Another waste of our money” from Craig Eden and “The amount of time this has took is outrageous” (Tony Else).

Andrew Bramidge, executive director for regeneration and environment in Rotherham Council, told The Advertiser previously: “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.”