Bid to widen pavements is killing trade along parade

CONCERNS that changes to a Solihull shopping parade are “suffocating” business have sparked calls for road chiefs to rethink restrictions.

The shake-up on the A34 was among several temporary schemes introduced in response to the coronavirus crisis.

But traders on the Stratford Road, in Shirley, have warned that the partial closure of service roads last month had robbed customers of vital parking spaces. Now both business owners and Solihull Ratepayers’ Association are calling for the restrictions to be ditched, arguing that the road can return to normal without putting anyone’s safety at risk.

When the alterations were first announced, road chiefs suggested they would create more space for cyclists and pedestrians, but critics claim no one is making use of the road area. Graham Phipps, who owns Dream Doors, a kitchens showroom, said the changes were “absolutely crazy” and have had a real impact on the row of shops. “If there was any concern from a safety point of view I wouldn’t even mention it. Safety is paramount,” he said.

“But there’s no logical reason why they have done what they have done. There’s more than enough pavement space to socially distance at two metres, let alone one metre.

“It’s just a complete suffocation of the businesses before we have even managed to get back on our feet.”

With the restrictions in force, many visitors would have to park at Asda, which is said to be persuading them to look elsewhere.

Mr Phipps, who opened his doors two years ago, said shoppers wanted convenience.

“It’s no coincidence that out of town shopping centres have thrived in recent years,” he said.

“If my customers can’t park many will go elsewhere, whether that’s online or a big retail park.”

Trevor Eames, from Solihull Ratepayers’ Association, said there were real concerns that customers were being put off at a time when businesses were facing a battle to encourage people to return to the high street.