TRADERS in Ruthin have expressed concern for the future of their businesses ahead of a lengthy road closure in the town centre.
Works as part of the Levelling Up Fund project in the town will begin soon and continue until December, with Well Street set to be closed from February 16 until October 23 (not for the entirety of this period, but for four-day periods at a time).
The project involves removing the roundabout at St Peter’s Square and creating an expanded public space for events and café seating, improving pedestrian and cycling routes, and calming traffic in the town centre.
Closures will also be in place for this period between Dog Lane and St Peter’s Square roundabout, and at the rear of The Old Courthouse.
But business owners have said they feel “ignored and let down” by Denbighshire County Council, and fear for the impact the development could have on footfall.
This is in addition to the new one-way system proposed on Well Street as part of wider traffic changes in the town centre.
Rebecca Cobbett-Rayment, who runs Siop Nain, a shop, café and holiday let on Well Street, said she feels there has been a “lack of transparency” from the council.
Ms Cobbett-Rayment, who has worked in Ruthin for 27 years, said businesses such as hers have only just began to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’ve been left in this worry for well over a year, and we still have no confidence that the running of our businesses will be smooth,” she said.
“One of our customers is dropped off outside the door twice a week. Will he still be able to get in? Will I be able to park, and to get in and out?
“We’re not surviving as it is. Footfall has only just started to return after COVID, and now we’re facing months of disruption with no reassurance. It’s heartbreaking.”
Ms Cobbett-Rayment added that a previous one-way system on Well Street had proved damaging.
She believes the return of this could prove a “nightmare” for traders and shoppers.
“It made things nearly impossible for us; it didn’t work” she added.
“Doing our own deliveries and day-to-day shopping is already a struggle. As a single mum, not knowing every day if I can pay the bills isn’t fair. It’s not knowing that’s the scariest part.
“I’d love to see Ruthin thriving, but it feels like no one has listened to the people who work 24/7 to make this town a place worth visiting.
“At this rate, there won’t be any shops left by the time it’s finished.”
Janet Thomas, owner of the Wayfarer Wool Shop on Well Street, which has been in her family for 60 years, fears the changes could deter shoppers from visiting the street altogether.
Ms Thomas added that the one-way system could cause “mayhem”.
She said: “I fear my shop’s going to go, because there will be no trade. People will not come down here to park.
“How are businesses also going to continue to survive after it’s finished?
“The way the one-way system is being done could detrimental to shops like ours. It is going to be ‘up only’, so how are people going to get to the shops down Well Street?
“You’ve got to have a very determined shopper to come down there to the shops, because it’s complicated for people to get here.”
Denbighshire County Council has said a dedicated business/public liaison officer will be available throughout the development.
Ruthin mayor, Cllr Peter Daniels, acknowledged the unrest among traders, and said the work of the project's liaison officer will be essential.
“There is quite some anger among traders at the moment, which is fair enough,” he said.
“This is a significant investment in Ruthin, and we should welcome it, but the priority now really needs to be business assurance.
“We need someone in post now, getting around the businesses straight away, and making sure people understand the town is still open for business during this period.”
Denbighshire County Council has said there will “inevitably be some disruption” but that access to the town centre will be maintained at all times.
The council has confirmed there will be no compensation scheme for businesses affected by loss of trade.
In response to the traders' comments, a council spokesperson said: "The proposed works to St Peter’s Square will look to widen the scope for hosting events, revitalise historical buildings and landmarks to support local identity. It will also promote pride of place by boosting the image of the town.
"We understand that works in the town centre can be inconvenient, and we are working with the appointed contractor to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum at all times. The works will be carried out in phases so that only small areas are affected at any one time.
"Details of each phase will be confirmed as soon as possible, and notice will be provided to all residents and businesses in the affected areas a week prior to the works commencing.
"Throughout the project, pedestrian access will be managed, temporary ramps will be provided for accessibility, clear signage and secure barriers will be in place.
"The team recently visited each business to provide information regarding the upcoming works, and relayed the contact details for the dedicated business liaison officer and the project team. Any issues can be relayed to either the liaison officer or the project team.
"The work has not yet started, and the logistics of any changes to business deliveries or coach routes are currently being prepared in preparation for the work starting."
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