The Sligo Champion

Traders angry over city street closures

- By PAUL DEERING

THERE was dismay amongst traders in the High Steet/Market area last Wednesday and Thursday as a water leak resuled in the closure of both streets.

Angry traders in High Street contacted local public representa­tives at what they saw as the unnecessar­y closure of High Street which was two streets away from where the repairs were carried out at the bottom of Market Street right beside the Lady Erin statue.

It also led to traffic congestion with detours around the town which was quite busy as a two day racing festival got underway at Sligo Racecourse.

One businessma­n based in High Street said he could not understand why High Street had to be closed to facilitate the works.

“Traffic should have been allowed come down High Street as far as West Gardens and turn there.

“There was no need at all to close High Street. It has affected my business it has been so quiet as a result. We had difficulty getting a delivery this morning.

“We got no notice of the works and to suddenly find the street closed was disappoint­ing to say the least.

“I understand there was a leak to be repaired but that was at the bottom of Market Street.

“I was told they had to close High Street as lorries would not be able to make the turn at West Gardens but why couldn’t they let cars down and just turn away the lorries?

“The council had a man here all day anyway monitoring the traffic.

A spokespers­on for Sligo County Council said the street closures were necessary to carry out urgent works.

“To facilitate road excavation works and water-mains repair work, High street and Market Street were temporaril­y closed to traffic until lunchtime Thursday.

“Deliveries to business premises were accommodat­ed during the period of temporary closure.

“Sligo County Council regrets the inconvenie­nce caused to motorists, pedestrian­s and traders and residents in High Street and Market Street, every effort was made to keep disruption to a minimum while these essential works are being carried out.”

Irish Water said: “Works to repair a collapsed sewer culvert in Sligo City have been completed and the road has been reopened. On Tuesday evening a 1.2 metre culvert combined sewer collapsed between the junction of Gratton Street and Market Street/High Street, on the turning circle of all traffic.

“The area was secured and cordoned off. For health and safety reasons a traffic management plan was put in place which allowed cars to pass through the junction but prevented HGVs and buses which would not have been able to turn onto Gratton Street.

“Emergency repairs were carried out throughout Wednesday with the street closed to all traffic except deliveries from 8am.

“Once the repair was complete and in order for the concrete to cure. High Street remained closed to all traffic. Tarmac was placed over the repaired section of road and the road was reopened to traffic after 12 noon on Thursday. Irish Water and Sligo County Council would like to apologise to all customers and businesses affected by this unplanned event and thank them for their patience while emergency repair works were taking place.”

 ??  ?? The detour at High Street.
The detour at High Street.
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