Shops lose business as works overrun, traders say

The centre of Hawkhurst has had road closures due to resurfacing work since 31 March

Shopkeepers in a Kent village have said they are experiencing a huge drop in customers due to a long running series of roadworks.

One trader along The Colonnade on Rye Road in Hawkhurst reported a fall in trade of "nearly 40%" since resurfacing work at the nearby crossroads began on 31 March.

The junction improvement works are being carried out by developer Dandara as part of a planning permission condition to build 71 homes off Highgate Hill, which is one of the four crossroads spurs.

Dandara told BBC Radio Kent it "fully sympathised with the "inconvenience experienced" and remained "committed to completing the works as swiftly and safely as possible".

Andy Clarke from Park Farm Butchers said he had seen trade reduce by "nearly 40%" since the Hawkhurst roadworks began

Andy Clarke from Park Farm Butchers said he had been forced to reduce staff working hours and "take on other work such as providing hog roasts to make up the shortfall in sales".

Another Hawkhurst business which has had a fall in customers since the roadworks began is The Rye Bakery.

Xan Kite works there and has "seen a 14.9% reduction in takings from the end of March after previously seeing a 3% increase".

Ms Kite said: "I hope business returns once all this is over.

"We used to have people parking up outside and nipping in to get their breakfast or lunch.

"I hope they get back into that habit again."

Dandara is under no statutory obligation to pay businesses compensation for loss of trade or additional costs incurred during the works.

Xan Kite from The Rye Bakery hopes the Hawkhurst roadworks finish soon and regular trade returns

Meanwhile, Ellen Neville, who represents the village on Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, said there could have been more dialogue on the safety issues arising from the road closures.

She described "traffic jams" with "cars jumping the lights" on a "dangerous" pedestrian crossing.

"The people carrying out the work have been lovely," she added, "however, it has been difficult to talk to Dandara about traffic congestion, the impact on local businesses and when it will all be over."

Councillor Ellen Neville was disappointed with the communication between Dandara and the people of Hawkhurst

Dandara wrote to residents in January to inform them work at Hawkhurst crossroads would run from 31 March until the last days of May, with a further five days set aside for traffic signals to be installed.

However, in a recent correspondence with BBC Radio Kent, Dandara explained: "The crossroads are due to reopen on 20 June, after which the final stage will involve the installation of traffic signals.

"This will take approximately four weeks and will be managed under four-way temporary lights."

Mr Clarke said this did not surprise him.

"Their initial plan didn't take into account any business deliveries, ambulances at the doctors surgery or waste collection for central Hawkhurst.

"We've been muddling through for weeks now."

In a statement, Dandara said: "We sincerely apologise for any disruption caused by these essential highway works.

"We understand the challenges local businesses have faced and have worked closely with the local authority to minimise disruption wherever possible.

"This has included maintaining full pedestrian access at all times, coordinating refuse collections and providing dedicated delivery spaces for nearby businesses.

"While there is no formal compensation scheme, we want to reiterate that we fully sympathise with the inconvenience experienced and remain committed to completing the works as swiftly and safely as possible."

The roadworks are being carried out to provide access to The Russetts, a sustainable development being built by Dandara of 71 new homes, including 28 homes designated for social rent.

The development will also provide about £641,000 in contributions to the local area, supporting community services and infrastructure.