Shopkeepers blame high street revamp for struggles

Shopkeepers Sarah and Linda Walker say traffic is often "snarled up" in March town centre

Shopkeepers say they could be forced to stop trading because of the impact of ongoing construction works on their high street.

A multi-million pound redevelopment of Broad Street in March, Cambridgeshire, is due to be completed in October.

But shop owners in the Fenland town claim months of works have put customers off and driven them elsewhere.

Fenland District Council said improvements would help the town centre become "more resilient and fit for the future".

'Very difficult'

George Sarimalz said elderly people struggled to reach Broad Street shops and cafes

George Sarimalz, who owns Cafe Express on Broad Street, said his takings were 40% lower than when works began in early 2023.

"Before they started work the high street was full of people," he said.

"For elderly customers it's very difficult because there are no parking spaces."

He said he wanted to see more big brand shops in the town - and parking spaces for older customers.

The Broad Street works are due to be completed in October

The Broad Street works began in June 2023 but were preceded by months of major underground gas and water main upgrades.

Nigel Lambert runs Greetings, a card and gift shop, and said the disruption was "starving us of customers".

He said: "We had many members of staff we've had to let go, and I'm doing more hours, but I'm unpaid."

He described Broad Street as the hub of the community in March.

"I'm in a desperate situation and I don't know if we're going to make it," he added.

'Empty shops'

Mother and daughter team Linda and Sarah Walker run a gift shop called M & D Crafts.

They have only been trading for about a year so said they do not know any different.

"It was like this when we came here, there have been ongoing problems with the traffic," said Linda.

"I'm hoping once it's all settled it might look okay."

Sarah said March could be improved if people were encouraged to take on empty shops.

"If there was help for people to take those shops so they're not empty anymore that might bring more people into town," she said.

'More resilient'

The works include creating a new mini roundabout, pedestrianising some road space and moving March's water fountain to a more accessible area.

They also plan to create new zebra crossings, paving, planters, trees and bike racks.

A spokesperson for Fenland District Council said the works would create a "more open, social, and pedestrian-friendly environment" in the town.

They pointed out that two big brands, Card Factory and Poundstretcher, had opened new branches this year.

"Together, the investments will help the town centre become more resilient and fit for the future," the spokesperson said.