Traders to seek compensation (From thisisoxfordshire)

Traders to seek compensation

3:30pm Tuesday 16th March 2010 in

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TRADERS in Witney say they plan to seek compensation after roadworks hit their profits.

Businesses in Corn Street say trade was down by as much as 50 per cent while gas works forced the closure of the bottom of the road to be shut off from Monday, February 22.

The town’s twice-weekly market has also counted the cost.

Market trader Martin Eldridge said: “The roadworks hit us hard, as we missed all the passing trade.

“I would say we were down by 25 per cent.”

Doreen Green, manager of South Oxfordshire Animal Sanctuary, in Corn Street, added: “We lost thousands of pounds in business. It affected us really badly. We lost a lot of customers and a lot of money.

“The people that come up and make donations didn’t bother, so we didn’t get anything in the shop.

“It is a really busy shop, but it just wasn’t worth opening. Our takings were less than half of what we normally take.”

She added: “A lot of people still don’t realise the road’s open. Everybody has been affected very badly. I don’t know what the sanctuary would do about compensation, as it’s hard to prove what we would have taken.”

Southern Gas Networks carried out the £70,000 repairs.

The company has sent traders letters, explaining how to claim for compensation.

Millie Oxley-Webbe, owner of Solan Goose, estimated she was 40 per cent down on profits.

She said: “The first week was exceptionally bad. It was like death out here. We renamed it Mourn Street. It has been pretty grim, but hopefully business will pick up now. We are looking into getting compensation.”

Southern Gas Networks spokesman, Duncan MacDonald, would not divulge how many traders had sought compensation so far. He said: “The project was essential work, and we do try to cause the minimum amount of disruption to businesses and residents.

“If any traders have concerns, please contact our staff directly, so that we can listen to them. There is a compensation pack we have given to traders.”

He estimated that the High Street roadworks would be finished in two to three weeks.

Tahir Akram, who owns News Link, said: “We were at least 30 per cent down. The business is still not fully operational as there is not much passing traffic.

“I’m very relieved it’s all over, as it was a big burden on our shoulders. Hopefully it will get back to normal now. I will be looking for compensation, but it will be a long-running battle.”