Ongoing Roadworks Take Toll on Local Businesses
A pub landlord in a village enduring months of roadworks has described the situation as “forcing us to our knees.” The ongoing project to replace gas mains pipes under roads in Bramley and Shalford is set to last 35 weeks, with the second stage beginning on Monday. Steve Hardstone, the landlord of The Jolly Farmer pub in Bramley High Street, expressed concerns that the disruption might deter customers due to long queues at temporary traffic lights and heavy congestion.
SGN, the company responsible for the roadworks in Surrey, has not yet responded to requests for comment. Hardstone shared his frustration, stating, “It has been a very difficult trading environment. I’m very fed up because this has been continuous. It doesn’t help customers if they think it will take over 45 minutes to get into the village. It feels like this has forced us to our knees and kicked us in the face.”
Bramley and Shalford businesses have been warned about the disruption around Chinthurst Lane and nearby Horsham Road. Hardstone also mentioned the cumulative effect of years of separate issues that have caused ongoing problems in the village, including a fuel leak into the water supply in 2024 and a sewage treatment plant fault in 2023.
Temporary traffic lights are now in place around the construction sites, and motorists have been advised to plan extra time for their journeys.
Residents Express Frustration with Continuous Construction
Victor Wharton, who has lived in Bramley for four years, said, “It has been nothing but roadworks; they will never end.” Maureen Barnes added, “If it’s really bad, I wouldn’t go out. I used to have a business and I wouldn’t want to be on this road at the moment.”
To address some of the challenges, concessions have been made during the roadworks. These include delaying work outside schools until the summer holidays and removing restrictions for local election polling on 7 May.
Community Impact and Future Outlook
The prolonged period of construction has had a significant impact on both residents and local businesses. Many feel that the constant disruptions have taken a toll on the community’s morale and economic stability. While the roadworks are necessary for infrastructure upgrades, the timing and extent of the project have raised concerns among those affected.
Business owners and residents alike are hoping for a resolution that balances the need for infrastructure improvements with the well-being of the local community. As the project continues, there is a growing call for more communication and support from the authorities involved.
What’s Next?
With the second stage of the 35-week project now underway, the focus remains on completing the necessary work while minimizing further disruption. The local council and SGN continue to monitor the situation and adjust plans as needed.
Residents and business owners are encouraged to stay informed about updates and any changes to the schedule. For more information, follow the latest news on social media platforms such as Facebook, X, and Instagram. Those with story ideas can reach out via email or by WhatsApp.
More on this story:
– Roadworks to enter next stage of 35-week project
– Months of disruption feared as gas upgrades planned
Related internet links:
– SGN
