Bumped out: why the butcher shut down
INDEPENDENT business owners have blamed a 50% fall in trade on the introduction of speed bumps.
Traders in Rufford Road, Crossens, have claimed that businesses have been hit and some closed as motorists have avoided the area.
The speed bumps were laid in 2012 on the 20mph road in an attempt to reinforce the speed limit and improve road safety in an area that had become a busy cut-through to the Tarleton Bypass.
John Carolan, owner of John Carolan and Son Family Butcher in Rufford Road, ceased trading earlier this month after 18 years in business.
The 67-year-old said: “Since the speed bumps came, they have damaged business and taken trade away.
“I was here long before they were laid, and have been here long since, and I can say that there has been at least a 50% drop in trade.
“There has also been multiple closures as businesses are struggling to cope with the lack of trade.
“I hate to say it, but if things carry on the way they are, I don’t think there will be any shops on Rufford Road in six years’ time.”
John, who is now semi-retired, has suggested that speed cameras would be more appropriate for the roads.
He said: “Speed bumps can damage cars and their suspen- sions, and cars can still go over the limit over the bumps. If people can avoid them, they are going to.
“If speed cameras were introduced, they would likely pay for themselves with fines and more people are likely to stay within the speed limit.”
But he acknowledged that other factors had influenced the footfall in the area.
He said: “The speed bumps are not the only factor, t as th there i is also l limited parking on the road.
“This, paired with the growth in supermarkets and internet shopping has meant that local traders are struggling.”
The idea is shared by Phil Stock, owner of Sweeney Todd barbers.
The 50-year-old, who has been in business for 28 years, also said that he believes the speed bumps have reduced footfall by ‘‘at least half’.’
He said: “We started to notice the lack of customers a few months after the bumps were put down.
“P “People l have h admitted d itt d th they now avoid the area due to fear of damaging their car.
“This is affecting people’s livelihoods and it is a crying shame. This is now a ghost village.”
The barber said he would like some of the 23 sets of speed bumps on the road removed, to help revive remaining businesses.
Ryan Lewis, who has been a resident of Rufford Road for 18 years, said: “The effect the speed bumps have had on local businesses on the road is terrible.
“Many people take alternative routes to avoid the speed bumps. We are losing our village.”
A spokesperson for Sefton Council said: “Traffic calming measures along Rufford Road, Crossens were introduced way back in 2012 to help improve road safety in the area.
“Recently, we have not received any complaints that the speed cushions affect trade and we continue to ask residents to try and shop local where possible.”
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