Revamp will lead to loss of Oakengates furniture store

The regeneration of an area of Telford is leading to the loss of one trader. Work being done to regenerate Market Street in Oakengates is forcing Direct Suites furniture store to close due to lack of access.

Kevin Davis, who owns Direct Suites, said: "It's quite annoying really because we've been there a long time, and now I'm going to have to move all my stock back to our other premises.

"I just don't want people to walk past and think that I've gone out of business when they see the empty shop because that's not the case."

Mr Davis will now be spending the last month of his lease moving his stock to his other premises in Heath Hill, Dawley, and looking for another property, possibly out of Oakengates.

As part of the regeneration programme, Market Street will be shut for 14 weeks leaving Mr Davis unable to load suites into his shop, and when the work is done, there will be a two-tonne limit, whereas his vans are three and a half.

The programme will include Oxford Street and Market Street being transformed with new paving, street furniture and improved traffic management that will also see Market Street linked back with Stafford Road.

Councillor Richard Overton said: "We have consulted very closely with traders and the local community over the last two years.

"A site office continues to operate from the old library for traders and residents to raise any issues. At the end of this Oakengates will be an even better place for people to shop in and visit."