Christmas roadworks 'a challenge' for city traders

Business owners say a decision not to halt a major roadworks scheme in a Kent city throughout December will prove "challenging" for local Christmas trade.

Kent County Council (KCC) wanted to restore temporarily two-way traffic at Canterbury's Westgate Towers, where a new continental-style square is being created as part of a £1.5m scheme.

But it reversed its position following objection from Canterbury City Council, which wants to ensure the scheme's completion before the enthronement of the new Archbishop of Canterbury in March.

Lisa Carlson, CEO of Canterbury Business Improvement District, said of the scheme would be "stunning when it's finished, but for now things have been a challenge".

She added: "Christmas trade has been really challenging and has disproportionately impacted traders in this area because people quickly realise if it's difficult to get here and expensive to park.

"They're going to find somewhere else to go out to lunch, to go to the dry cleaners, to pop into a café, to go do some shopping."

Murat Kocaj, owner of The Beano Cafe, said his takings were down £500 every week since the roadworks started in April.

He said: "Nobody is coming here.

"The car park is empty.

"Everybody thinks the road is closed and nobody comes to the area."

Denis Grozdanov, who runs Le Cafe in St Dunstans Street, is looking forward to the completion of the scheme.

He said: "Most of my footfall is from pedestrians and cyclists.

"When the roadworks are complete it should encourage more tourists and shoppers to come up to this end of town."

KCC said it was standard practice to restrict "non-urgent works that impact traffic on key routes into city and town centres during December", to protect Christmas trading.

Peter Osbourne, cabinet member for highways and transport, told BBC Radio Kent: "I've never been shouted at before to leave roadworks in place.

"I'm normally shouted at to take them away."

Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.