Sign that road is closed may mislead shoppers say traders

Devonshire Road traders have been subjected to more road closures and say continued works are affecting business.

Signs have now been put up at the entrance to the street stating that gasworks will be in operation for six weeks and that the road is closed. However, the closure notice may mislead motorists because access is still available to all the shops and the closure is at the Bennett Street end.

However, the closure notice may mislead motorists because access is still available to all the shops and the closure is at the Bennett Street end.

Mike Moran of Top Hat said; "The signs make people think the whole road is closed again which is not great, a simple case again of a big company not thinking of small businesses and the council just ignoring W4.

"Neither consider the effects on small business and given the council get more of our huge business rates now than before and will get more yet we don't have a single point of contact at the council to talk to."

"Some businesses are suffering and it does seem it's one hit after another since December last year, add that to the vacant shops (unrealistic rents being demanded made worst by no due diligence by incoming businesses) and we are having to fight to keep the road a destination."

In April, businesses complained as Thames Water, which had suspended its anti-flooding works for several weeks started work and made the street look like a 'building site'. The work finished in May

In January, businesses were irate when the street was partially closed off for weeks by the water company.

July 15, 2016