A business owner has slammed Wiltshire Council after an unannounced road closure left him facing more than a day’s lost trading.
Bill Ellis, owner of The Key Shop in Castle Street, Trowbridge, said he was not given warning that the road would be closed and claimed businesses were left struggling to access their premises.
The 69-year-old said: “They closed the top and bottom again and didn’t tell me – no communication whatsoever. Every business owner on this road feels the same – let down.
“I contacted the council within the first hour and three times in total.
“When they phoned back, they said to turn the road closed sign around. Then they had another sign the next day saying, ‘business open as usual’.”
Mr Ellis, an auto locksmith, said access was particularly important for his business.
“Businesses down that road need access – we have customers, cars and deliveries coming in here.
“We need more consultation if they’re going to close the road in the future.”
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He said the temporary closure had cost him a day and a half of trading.
“We’ll be paying business rates for the first time this year and we have lost half of what we were going to be billed for.
“They think ‘we’re the council and we can do what we like’. It makes me a bit depressed. Calling three times is taking the mickey.
“With all these roadworks, it’s almost like they’re trying to put people off coming to Trowbridge.”
Cllr Martin Smith, cabinet member for highways, responded to the concerns, and said the closure was caused by emergency water works.
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He said: “The closure of Castle Street last week was put in place by Wessex Water to carry out emergency repairs to a burst water main.
“We appreciate the disruption this caused and the inconvenience to residents and businesses.
“Utility companies have a legal right to undertake emergency works, and Wiltshire Council cannot prevent these from taking place.
“Following concerns raised, additional signage was installed to make clear that businesses remained open and accessible.
“We recognise the impact roadworks can have on local businesses and would encourage utility companies to communicate with affected residents and businesses as quickly as they can wherever possible.”
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