Traders optimistic over Wyle Cop roadworks impact
A nine-week roadworks project on one of the county's most famous streets began yesterday but that did not deter shoppers.
Wyle Cop in Shrewsbury will be partially closed to traffic until mid-March while resurfacing work takes place and the footpaths and kerbs are replaced.
Shop owners on the street said while it remained busy on Monday, only time will tell if the roadworks cause problems for business.
Shropshire Star comment: Roadworks help from council key for shops
Paul Castle, from Wyld Home, said yesterday was as busy as ever.
He said: "The roadworks are going to affect business, of course it is, but we're staying positive because we've got a lovely shop and people will hopefully still come to us.
"I don't think it will affect footfall but the traffic may be a problem. We're a destination shop and have people travelling hours to come to us from all over the country, and I think they will find the town difficult to navigate with the roadworks.
"However, this is the first day of the closure and if you look at the street it's really busy still with lots of people going up and down all the time."
The work is being carried out as part of the Shrewsbury Integrated Transport Package (SITP) and will include the upgrading of footpaths and kerbs materials with natural stone products, as well as resurfacing roads.
The aim is to enhance and improve the area to complete the new Abbey Foregate ‘gateway’ to the town centre.
Stacey Hill, from Oberon boutique, said: "I really hope it's not going to affect our business too much.
"If the council get the out of town signs right to let everyone know it's still open to pedestrians, there shouldn't be a problem.
"People can still park and walk to Wyle Cop and it's a lovely walk here over the bridge.
"If anything less traffic makes the street calmer and more peaceful. So far we've still been busy."
There are signs at the top and bottom of Wyle Cop saying 'businesses open as usual', but Elizabeth Stockley from Uniiq fears it is not enough.
She said: "Any roadworks, it doesn't matter where they are, are going to affect businesses and have a negative impact.
"We just have to let people know we're still open for business and hope they come."
While the footpath re-paving and kerbing work is carried out, the paths will be closed and temporary walkways will be provided for pedestrians.
John Gowers, from Graphic Hearts, added: "Last time the street was resurfaced, it was completely closed to cars and it was terrible. It made the street noisy and dusty, and no one wanted to come here.
"However, this time it doesn't seem as bad so I can't see there being as many problems. The message is positive, we're still open for business and people can still get here."
