Businesses counting cost of roadworks

Month-long roadworks have created a "ghost town" in the Black Country, with passing trade being wiped out, shopkeepers claimed today.

A £1 million four-week gas main replacement by National Grid has forced the closure of sections of Sedgley's High Street at its junction with Bilston Street.

Just one or two customers a day are visiting some shops, while other traders in the town centre claim profits have been hit. They say customers are are being put off by traffic jams and delays.

Business owners are now waiting for the work to finish in the hope that trade will improve again.

Simon Rich, aged 46, owner of Sedgley Curtains in the High Street, said: "It's been an absolute nightmare - the problems run throughout the village.

"I've spoken to other traders and sometimes we feel like there's no-one here.

"On a bad day only one, maybe two people will come in the shop. We are getting more phone orders instead now, but passing trade has gone."

Daniel Price, who runs the BD Price Bike Shop in High Holborn, said trade had been down at least 30 per cent.

Jan Parkes, company secretary at Gould's Electrical in Bilston Street, said: "These works are definitely affecting business.

"We only do our books on a monthly basis so it's difficult to put a figure on it.

"Some customers are phoning up and asking if we have something in stock, though, so they don't have to travel into town.

The passing trade has gone. Thank God the end is hopefully in sight now."

Work is due to end on Monday, September 6. National Grid says the scheme was planned to coincide with school summer holidays, to reduce traffic disruption.

Jane Taylor, National Grid press officer, said the work was "a short-term inconvenience for a long-term benefit", and added it was essential to replace the gas mains.

One lane has been closed in Dudley Street since August 22 heading out of town between Bull Ring and Vicar Street.

Mr Rich said traffic was being made worse by people trying to avoid roadworks in the Penn area.

The £4 million Severn Trent scheme to replace water mains has caused long tailbacks.

Shops there say they have lost 25 per cent of their trade.