Roadworks agony ‘Business on the verge of closure’
ROADWORKS on Gipsy Patch Lane are continuing to have a devastating impact on some local businesses, despite the road having reopened to vehicles travelling westbound.
Last week, the key Bristol route opened to traffic for the first time in almost two years, albeit one-way, following months of roadworks and a full road closure to allow for a new railway bridge to be installed.
But some nearby businesses say the new one-way system is “making no difference” to them, with one shop owner saying she plans to shut her business as a result of loss of revenue from the ongoing disruption.
Narinder Bains, who runs card store Celebrations on Gifford Crescent, said she is going to shut up shop after almost 10 years of trading due to the ‘devastating’ ongoing impact of the Gipsy Patch Lane roadworks.
The council says roadworks are due to be complete in late 2022.
As work on the road continues, there is no access to Gifford Crescent via Gipsy Patch Lane, with customers to the Crescent’s convenience stores only able to access them via Kingsway.
“Since the closure of Gipsy Patch Lane nobody can come here,” Narinder said. “We are getting half the amount of customers we did before.
“I mostly get old people here but they’re not coming anymore. Everything is so quiet, I only get a few locals.
“I am going to close my business as people just can’t get through.”
It’s a similar tale at the neighbouring Premier shop, owned by Kalai.
He said: “Businesses are taking the brunt of this. No one can access them, sometimes the area is deserted. In my opinion this one-way system is helping nobody.”
The road has been shut to allow for bridge works to take place, which are part of the Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension (CPME) scheme, which will provide a direct bus link between Bristol Parkway and The Mall.
The new bridge will provide room for new bus lanes in each direction and shared use cycle and pedestrian paths as well as general traffic lanes.
The impact current one-way system, is being felt east of the bridge, too.
Pegasus Park, next to the RollsRoyce site, is home to businesses including Stagecoach, Strenco, Quality Catering and Tyres Direct UK.
Tom Oakley, general manager of the tyre shop, says since the work on Gipsy Patch Lane began last January, he’s seen a revenue loss of £300,000.
“It’s had a massive impact,” he said. “We used to be open seven days a week with seven members of staff, now we’re open five and a half days a week with two members of staff.
“We used to get between 25 and 30 customers each day and now we’re getting between eight and 10. The one-way system is making no difference.”
Tom explained that his parents, who own the Patchway Tyres Direct site, had saved enough money for how long they thought the works were going to be.
“My parents bought this site because of the location,” he said. “We were given the traffic data when we brought this site which stated 23,000 cars a day. But some days we get zero footfall. It has devalued the premises.”
South Gloucestershire Council cabinet member for regeneration, environment and strategic infrastructure, Cllr Steve Reade, recently said: “The Cribbs Patchway metrobus extension is a flagship project for the council and plays a key part in improving public transport, walking and cycling facilities and the road network in the area.
“The partial reopening of Gipsy Patch Lane is an important milestone for this ambitious project.
“The westbound one-way system will support businesses and help keep South Gloucestershire moving.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the work.”