‘Don’t let roadworks ruin Christmas trade’

A BUSINESS owner has called on the council to do more to prevent roadworks which are being carried out at Caerphilly’s biggest roundabout from affecting Christmas trade.

It has been almost a month since construction work began at the Pwll-y-Pant roundabout, known locally as the Cedar Tree roundabout, which is due to last for another 11 months.

The aim of the works is to improve journey times and reduce traffic travelling through Caerphilly town centre.

But since the works have got underway, complaints have been made by commuters and business owners, with motorists who travel to Caerphilly and Cardiff saying hours have been added to their journeys.

A petition was launched by local residents calling on Caerphilly council to re-think the roadworks and has so far received more than 7,000 signatures.

Sarah Bruton, owner of Captiva Spa, which is located next to the roundabout, set up the Keep Caerphilly Moving Facebook page.

She said her business has already suffered a 25% drop in trade since the works started but she is also concerned about how businesses will be affected at their busiest time of year – the approach to Christmas.

She said: “For most businesses, the Christmas run up is important and we want to grab hold of that period now so people don’t lose out on trade.

“As far as the council is concerned, it’s almost too slow, too late and on the back foot all the time.”

While she admitted traffic had improved during the half term break, Sarah said traffic remained in a bad state during peak hours.

She added: “I’ve spoken to a lot businesses and it could lead to no extra hours for Christmas, there will be no overtime. That’s a real possibility for some companies I am speaking to.

“A lot of conversations are going out that hopefully there’s going to be some kind of announcement that changes things.”

Caerphilly council leader Dave Poole said: “These essential works will help increase capacity at this key strategic junction once completed and will ease congestion at peak times. We recognise the concerns of motorists and the local business community about the impact of the works and we are listening to the feedback that has been received to date.

“The council is working with the contractor to agree adjustments to the traffic management layout on the site, particularly in the critical weeks in the run up to Christmas.

“Hopefully we will be in a position to announce positive changes soon.”