Car wash boss says Sleaford roadworks have wrecked his business
The owner of a Sleaford hand car wash business says a 10-week council highways project to resurface and upgrade a key route into Sleaford has decimated his livelihood.
Abdul Haji, director of Pro Wash Park Ltd on Grantham Road, says he has been in the industry for almost two decades without issue, but this lengthy work has crippled his business, starving him of passing trade and resulted in him having to lay off staff.
He said he understood and respected the need carry out the resurfacing and traffic lights replacements for everyone’s safety, but said: “In all my experience, I have never faced such difficulties.
"Firstly it was closed due to the gas pipe repairs in the spring which drastically affected our business. And this time, from July 13, Grantham Road has been (partially) closed again up to the end of September.”
He says he has lost 40 per cent of his revenue at a time when they should have been in demand during the dry. dusty summer and households under a hosepipe ban.
"How am I going to pay my bill and wages,” he asked.
Mr Haji has repeatedly raised his concerns, providing evidence to Lincolnshire County Council demonstrating the losses during the roadworks period and has asked for compensation or support due to the loss of trade over the last two months.
He said that his business is acutely affected as it requires people to drive to his site, however he says the closure of Southgate level crossing, discouraging signage and resulting congestion impacting diversion routes has led to journey times doubling, deterring his customers who he now fears may never return after seeking alternatives.
He continued: “The council should also consider the affect this has on local businesses that contribute to the community. This is not only impacting my business but my neighbours who have operated on this road." Last Friday the number of customers was in single figures and the previous Friday he took one £10 in takings.
"They have just destroyed my business,” he said.
He had reached out for support from Steve Clegg, county councillor for Sleaford, but Coun Clegg responded: “We recognise the significant impact roadworks and temporary traffic restrictions can have on local businesses, particularly those reliant on passing trade, and we are sorry to hear about the difficulties this business is experiencing.
“The road was previously in very poor condition and in need of significant repair. These works have provided a full, long-term repair of the road, helping to avoid the need for further major maintenance for around 20 years.
“The restrictions were necessary to allow the works, including the new crossing, to be carried out safely. The resurfacing element of the scheme was broken down into five phases to help keep the road as accessible as possible for residents, businesses and the travelling public while the work was carried out.
“We appreciate that, despite this approach, the works have caused disruption. Unfortunately, as the Highways Authority, Lincolnshire County Council has no power to provide compensation for financial losses incurred as a result of traffic restrictions associated with roadworks.”
Southgate level crossing is now open, with two weeks of work remaining before the project is complete, using temporary traffic lights, in place between 9am and 3pm on weekdays.