We'll lose out in £6m roadworks, say Pensnett businesses

Several firms will be forced to sell off part of their land as part of the multi-million road widening scheme in Pensnett.

Around 22 pieces of land will be snapped up by Dudley Council under plans to use compulsory purchase powers.

The scheme would see High Street widened though Pensnett near Russells Hall Hospital and a dual carriageway introduced in Pensnett town centre to ease congestion.

Shahzad Hussain, who runs the A A Professional Hand Car Wash and Valeting Centre with his business partner Rashid Mahmood, said: "I took this property over on a 10 year lease 15 months ago and spent £40,000 before I was told about these roadworks.

"About five months ago I received a letter and at that point was also going to open a tyre and car wash business but I've had to concentrate on one.

"A surveyor came out to look at how much money we might lose but we haven't heard anything since.

"I'm spending £18,500 a year in rents and rates because this was a nice patch when I first took it on.

"We are going to lose about 50 per cent of the car wash business so it's a worrying time but we'll stay here because we have invested so much money."

Teg Chohan, who has run The Loaf Sandwich Bar for five years, said he was planning to move emigrate to Canada but was worried the changes could affect him selling his business.

Further business that have been served compulsory purchase orders for part of their land include Abercarn Nursing Home, Sainsbury's Local, Austins Barber Shop, Famous House Chinese takeaway and Odettes Dance Sport.

Councillor Khurshid Ahmed, cabinet member for transportation, said: "A compulsory purchase order has been prepared to support our acquisition of the land and property to enable the successful delivery of the scheme on Pensnett High Street A4101, where we are unable to achieve this by negotiation.

"The scheme is a major part of our local and regional transportation network.

"The road serves local and business traffic, plus deliveries to Pensnett Trading Estate, the largest secured trading estate in Europe.

"An estimated 30,000 vehicles use this road every day and as a result it experiences considerable congestion, particularly at peak times.

"The improvements will help to reduce delays and congestion, improve road safety, air quality, pedestrian links and safety, while ensuring bus services are more reliable.

"We have already engaged with the residents and businesses affected and our plan is for the works to start in early 2017."