Market Street delays hit businesses

Tuesday 21 May 2019

With works continuing along Market Street and further delays due to "hidden issues beneath the road", some businesses in the area are beginning to bear the brunt of reduced footfall.

Although businesses were sent a letter earlier this month suggesting work on the second phase of the project - to the end of the Market Building - would be completed by the week beginning 6 May, work on the third and final phase is only expected to start this week.

"There are so many issues with this," said Managing Director of the Metro Deli, Kevin Buckely. "Most could have been avoided if THS [Traffic and Highway Services] had consulted businesses in Market and Mill Streets prior to going ahead with their plan."

The Metro Deli is among others in the area to have reported a "big hit" on business as a result of the works over the past 11 weeks.

Speaking to Express last week, Mr Buckely said his business had been given "no real timeframe for completion".

"We have always said we have no issue with trying to improve the area," he added. "The problem we have is no consultation, bad timing, length of works and noise/pollution."

Pictured: Works on Market Street are running behind schedule.

In Bloom florists has also felt the effects of the works, hoping once they have been completed "things will return to normal".

Traffic and Highway Services has noted the response from some of the area's business: "It has been acknowledged that there has been some delay to the works improving Market Street due to hidden issues beneath the road leading us to needing more services. However the crews have worked long hours to minimise that delay.

"We appreciate that has not been ideal for some businesses in that area and we thank them for their patience. Ultimately, the significant improvements to the area will create a better and more accessible environment for islanders and visitors and therefore benefit those businesses."

The final phase of works will take place in the Petit Carre Four and is expected to take around two weeks to complete.