Shops welcome prospect of roadworks compensation

St Peter's Main Road is among the routes affected by roadworks

Businesses which have lost trade due to roadworks have welcomed proposed help from the government.

Jersey's Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel said he did not think the government was in a position to replace earnings lost by businesses but agreed to investigate "other mechanisms whereby businesses can be compensated in some way".

Kaspar Wimberley, who runs the SCOOP Sustainable Co-operative, said the business had lost £15,000 this year because of the work on roads near his store.

He said: "We barely survived. I really welcome the fact that they are now talking about this."

Kaspar Wimberley said the SCOOP Sustainable Co-operative had lost £15,000 as a result of roadworks

In response to a question from Deputy Hilary Jeune in a states sitting, Morel agreed to investigate what the government could do to support businesses.

Jeune said small businesses were the backbone of the island's economy and needed government support.

"Bills, staff, rent and taxes still have to be paid. All these accumulate whether customers come through the door or not," she said.

Samantha Gaudin, who runs clothing and interior store The Gooseberry Bush, said she did not yet know what impact the roadwork project would have on her business

Samantha Gaudin runs the clothing and interior store The Gooseberry Bush, near St John's Main Road, which is due to be closed, in sections, for more than a year.

She said she was unsure what the long-term impact would be on her shop.

"I think, come next year, there will be a few small businesses that won't survive this, sadly," she said.

"We've been in business for the last 30 years. I took over from my mother.

"It would be a shame to see the business go under now, under such difficult circumstances."

She said government support would "possibly help" but added it would be most effective if the circumstances and financial impact on businesses was assessed individually.

The BBC asked Economic Development to provide specific details of the measures that could be introduced to support Jersey businesses, but was told no one was available to comment.