Traffic nightmare cripples business in Stafford
The majority of businesses in Stafford have suffered due to roadworks and huge regeneration projects that have crippled the town.
A survey carried out by Stafford Chamber of Commerce found that 92 per cent of firms have experienced problems as a result of prolonged traffic problems.
Road closures, diversions, temporary lights, car park closures and delays have been blamed, with the town's roads being dominated by £15 million investment works by Severn Trent, new housing developments, the leisure and shopping Riverside development and renovation works on the M6.
Recently, the congestion in and around the town has impacted on both staff and customers and the survey found the worst hotspots were Beaconside, the A34, Lichfield Road, Radford Bank and Weston Road.
Chris Plant, director at the chamber, said: "This survey provides a useful insight into the problems being faced by businesses in the Stafford area.
"We are looking for some 'quick win' solutions now to help alleviate the problems, such as changes to the way roadworks are managed, traffic light sequencing, road markings and vehicular access but, inevitably, some solutions will need significant investment over a longer period.
"Our survey results are now being considered by the county council's transport team and we hope to be able to report back to businesses very soon on what can be done.
"Evidence like this is crucial in helping our local authorities to bid for more funding to invest in our transport network."
The main problems highlighted in the survey were delays caused to staff travelling to and from work and difficulties experienced by customers travelling to respondents' business premises.
The survey targeted 200 companies and achieved a 20 per cent response rate.
It ran from October 13 to November 3 and found that business owners felt that better scheduling of roadworks would help to alleviate the problem.
Stafford MP Jeremy Lefory said: "This survey makes interesting reading and again confirms what local businesses and residents have been raising with me.
"Both my staff and I have been working hard over the last few months to work with the county council and Severn Trent to alleviate some of the effects of the essential work that has been taking place.
"However, it is vital that useful lessons are learnt from our current experiences, such as roadwork scheduling. I am continuing to keep a close eye on the situation and do what I can to help."
Rebecca Murphy, spokeswoman for Severn Trent Water, said the company is well over half way through work to replace water and sewer pipes in the town.
They have been working in Beaconside, on the A34, Lichfield Road and Radford Bank. She said: "We'd like to thank local businesses and residents for their patience over the last 12 months. We're sorry to those affected by our work and we understand their frustration, however we need to use temporary traffic lights and close roads on occasions, in order to carry out our work safely.
She added: "Over the last year we've worked closely with local businesses, giving them regular updates and compensating those whose profits have been affected as a direct result of our work.
"To date we've compensated more than £500,000 to local businesses in the area and we'll continue to work with them, as well as the local council, to make sure we're doing everything we can to minimise the disruption. Our work is essential for supporting the development of Stafford and once completed will greatly benefit the area."
