In a surprising turn of events, several businesses in Colchester were forced to shut down without prior notice due to an unexpected road closure. The closure of Halstead Road, which was implemented to repair potholes, left business owners frustrated and out of pocket. The lack of communication from Essex Highways has sparked outrage among the affected parties, who claim they were not informed about the closure in advance.
Impact on Local Businesses
The sudden road closure had a significant impact on local businesses, particularly the Shoulder of Mutton antique shop and tearoom. Owners Amy Neill and Sophie Steel were caught off guard when they found Halstead Road closed in both directions. The antique shop, which rents out space to 18 independent businesses, lost around £400 of revenue per day due to the closure. Amy expressed her frustration, stating that they received no letter, phone call, or notification about the closure. The tearoom, which employs several staff members, also faced financial losses as they had to continue paying their employees despite the lack of customers.
The closure not only affected the businesses financially but also disrupted their operations. Amy mentioned that they had to put up an emergency post online to inform customers about the unforeseen circumstances. The lack of communication from Essex Highways has left the business owners feeling neglected and unsupported. They are now seeking compensation for the losses incurred during the closure period.
Response from Essex Highways
Essex Highways has responded to the complaints, stating that the road closure was necessary to carry out much-needed improvement works. According to a spokesperson, the closure was implemented to fix issues affecting local residents and to ensure the safety of pedestrians, road users, and highways crews. The spokesperson also mentioned that access was maintained at all times for residents, businesses, customers, and emergency services. However, the business owners claim that they were not informed about the closure and were unable to access their premises.
The spokesperson further explained that the closure was temporary and lasted from Monday, August 12 to Tuesday, August 13. They acknowledged the inconvenience caused to the businesses and residents but emphasized the importance of the repair works. Despite the explanation, the affected business owners remain dissatisfied with the lack of communication and the financial losses they have suffered.
Seeking Compensation
The business owners are now seeking compensation for the losses incurred during the road closure. Amy Neill mentioned that it would take up to ten days for Essex Highways to receive a complaint and up to ten weeks to receive a response. She expressed her frustration with the lengthy process and the lack of immediate support. The antique shop and tearoom have both suffered significant financial losses, and the owners are determined to seek compensation for the disruption caused.
The closure has also had a ripple effect on other businesses in the area. The antique shop, which rents out space to various antique dealers, has seen a decline in sales due to the road closure. The tearoom, which employs several staff members, has also faced financial difficulties as they had to continue paying their employees despite the lack of customers. The business owners are now calling for better communication and support from Essex Highways to prevent such incidents in the future.
