Disruption may force Oakengates florist to shut up shop
A florist has claimed that regeneration work in Oakengates is having a devastating effect on her business and could see her shutting up shop before Christmas.
Christine Orford, who runs Christine's Florists, said barriers and cones put up along Market Street were putting off customers.
Mrs Orford, a former chairman of Telford Chamber of Commerce, said the regeneration work, including improving pavements, was still on-going seven months after it started.
Her shop has been open for five years and Mrs Orford said trade was good before the work began. But her takings have since dropped dramatically, forcing her to plough her savings into the shop to keep the business afloat.
Mrs Orford said: "Nobody is listening. They are killing my shop and my trade.
"I was throwing that much stock away. It cannot sit on the shelves. If it continues my shop will be shut for Christmas.
Neighbouring estate agents, Tristans, is also suffering. Owner James Michaelson said: "At one point we had a six foot high fence wrapped around the building and our clients just could not get to us.
"We had three months when there was no point opening. During February, March and April we were down about 75 per cent."
A spokesman for Telford & Wrekin Council said: "The final design of the scheme was developed with Oakengates Town Council Environment and Regeneration Working Group.
"The group considered how the phasing of the scheme could minimise the impact on local trade. Pedestrian access to all areas of the scheme has been maintained throughout.
"The contractor and council has worked collectively ensuring that each phase of the scheme is delivered ahead of programme."
