Kentish Express Ashford & District
‘Roadworks putting my sales out of step’
A business owner has issued an appeal to customers after a huge drop in sales caused by roadworks.
Kate Austen runs Podplus at the Julie Rose Stadium in Ashford, providing services such as chiropody, physiotherapy and massages and goods such as insoles for shoes for those with injuries.
The business has been running for 12 years, but Ms Austen says sales have slumped after work to widen the A2070 Kennington Road started a fortnight ago.
Work is focused on the main pinch-point in the road, between the junction with Blackwall Road North and the bridge over the River Stour.
The road has been closed to through traffic while the work is carried out until the beginning of September, but motorists can still access the Julie Rose Stadium via the Spearpoint roundabout on the A28.
Ms Austen said: “Over the last two weeks we have seen sales 60% down on normal.
“If this continues over the next 10 weeks it will have a huge impact on our business.
“Our appointments are still busy, and we’re looking to book in more people.
“But we sell products which help people get into the right footwear and we could be missing passing trade.
“We want to say that even though the road is closed, we are still open and customers can still get to us without restrictions.”
Ms Austen said that the diversion for motorists approaching via Willesborough Lees is long and complicated and could be having an impact, but says the county highways team have put up enough signs.
She added: “Highways have been good at communicating with us, but nobody can follow the diversion signs.
“So we’re asking customers to contact us if they’d like help or directions, as we will do our best to direct them.”
For more information about the business visit www.podplus. co.uk or call 01233 660851.