A41 Bilston Road works: Zero compensation for traders hit by major disruption
Traders who say they have lost business due to a major city roadworks scheme will not get a penny in compensation, it has emerged.
West Midlands Mayor Andy Street has turned down a bid for compensation from firms affected by the ongoing Midland Metro works on the A41 Bilston Road, Wolverhampton.
It comes after Labour MP Pat McFadden had written to the Mayor on behalf of dozens of firms, some of whom have reported declines in turnover of 70-80 per cent due to the works.
He had urged the Mayor to put together a hardship fund for businesses affected by the roadworks, which stretch for more than a mile from the city centre to the junction with Culwick Street.
But Mr Street has turned down the bid and instead offered to help with firms' 'marketing and promotion' during the works.
Wolverhampton South East MP Mr McFadden, said: "This is a very disappointing reply from the Mayor.
"He had an opportunity to do something for local businesses affected by these works and turned it down.
"Many businesses along the road are really hurting. These works will last for six months and trade is really being hit. The businesses were looking to the Mayor to ease the pain being caused by these works but he has said no."
Abi Hatipoglu, owner of Coffee Express on Bilston Road, said the works had caused a 50 per cent drop in his regular customers and completely killed off passing trade.
"They have offered us help with marketing before and done absolutely nothing," he added. "All of us have been hit really hard by these works but I don't expect us to get any help.
"All we can hope for is that the works finish on time, although no one has any confidence in that happening."
Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) Metro programme director, Phil Hewitt, said: "Whilst we recognise the difficulty that works of this nature may cause businesses in the short term we are confident that once completed the Metro works, coupled with the resurfacing of the road and the environmental improvements that will follow will add real value to the businesses.
"We are keen to work with the businesses and to provide support focused on assisting them in minimising the impact of the works.
"Although we are not in a position to offer compensation to businesses, we at TfWM and our partners in the Midland Metro Alliance would welcome the opportunity to work with them to help them with their marketing and promotion both during the remainder of the works and on their conclusion."
The roadworks are on schedule to be completed, with the road and tram route re-opened, by Christmas this year.
