Norbury traders fear London Road roadworks will hit trade

by Ross Lidbetter

ross.lidbetter@essnmedia.co.uk

Concerned Norbury traders fear their businesses are going to be seriously hit by roadworks along London Road.

Shopkeepers fear profits could plunge because of the footpath repairs which started on Wednesday and are set to continue until the end of May.

Transport for London (TfL) is renewing the footpaths on both sides of the busy road.

And while it has promised the work will be done in sections, shop owners still fear passing trade will be hit.

Bhupendra Patel, 57, owner of Norbury DIY, is among those questioning the need for the work to be carried out in the first place.

He said: "When you look at the footpath you can't see anything wrong with it. I don't know why they are digging it up.

"We are struggling because of the recession and we don't know what this is going to do to us.

"I have spoken to other businesses too and they feel the same. It is going to ruin trade."

Ana De Bebraganca, 40, manager of the ABC Pharmacy, wants to know when the repairs outside her store will take place.

She said: "We are really concerned - people should be able to come into the pharmacy by walking on the pavement.

"I saw a sign put up outside but I would like them (TfL) to tell to us how long it will affect us so we can explain to our customers."

Hemant Patel, who runs Flamingo Dry Cleaners, has been told he will have to briefly stop trading altogether for two hours when the works are concentrated directly outside his business.

"Pardon the language but it is a damn nuisance," he said.

"We are at their (TfL's) mercy at the moment."

Jason Grant, district centre manager for Norbury, says traders are upset by the disruption.

He said: "I called TfL and spoke to one guy there who said 'this is what we are going to do and I am telling you out of courtesy'.

"I thought 'did you not think to consult the businesses?'

"I think three months is a long time and that can make or break a business."

TfL says the works are part of an "ongoing" programme.

A spokesman said: "TfL will be renewing the footway along the A23 London Road between Fairview Road and Norbury Library, which will require short sections to be closed.

"The work is scheduled to be completed by the end of May. TfL will make every effort to ensure that disruption is kept to a minimum."