Roundabout work hitting businesses

A BUSINESS owner says roadworks at Caerphilly’s biggest roundabout which are adding hours to commuters’ journeys has meant that the town is “closed for business”.

There has been much public opposition to construction work at Pwyll-y-Pant roundabout, known locally as the Cedar Tree roundabout, which began on Monday.

The work is due to last 12 months and aims to improve journey times and reduce traffic travelling through Caerphilly town.

But as the roundabout makes up part of the main route into Cardiff from Caerphilly borough, traffic at peak rush hour times has become unbearable for some motorists.

A petition has been launched by residents calling on Caerphilly council to rethink the road works and has so far received more than 7,000 signatures.

Business owners have also expressed their concerns about the road works, with some claiming the disruption caused is killing trade in Caerphilly.

Sarah Bruton, owner of Captiva Spa located next to Pwyll-y-Pant roundabout, said she had lost 25% of business in the first week of the works alone.

She added: “From the traffic aspect people have not been able to get where they need to and it is having a knock on effect. The long term effect is that the message is going out that Caerphilly is closed for business. I think the effects will be catastrophic.”

She said: “I think there should be more respect from the council for local jobs, local businesses and local people.

“They could look at night working or they could look at doing one area of work at a time.”

Mark Isaacs, owner of MI Motors, said the works had also affected his business.

He said: “I have had customers that have turned around after being stuck in traffic for an hour saying they will pick up their cars another time.

“I have been here for a number of years and everyone I am speaking to has noticed a dramatic downturn in their business.”

Lexi O’Connor, owner of Non Stop Tile Shop, said she was worried her business could “go under”.

She said: “My business has suffered big time. I have had all of two customers all week. This is going to put me under.”

A Caerphilly council spokesperson said: “The Pwll-y-Pant roundabout works are a major scheme, which once completed will bring significant improvements to the strategic highway network. It is inevitable that with a scheme of this magnitude there will be some disruption, and we’d like to thank residents, businesses and road users for their patience while these important works progress.

“We are in regular contact with the contractor and will continue to monitor the situation, taking steps to minimise congestion for motorists as much as possible.”