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Wolverhampton business owners hit out over Pipers Row roadworks

Business owners and shoppers in Wolverhampton have had their say on the ongoing Pipers Row roadworks.

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Roadworks have been in place in Pipers Row since March 2018

The busy route through the city centre has been the scene of delays for drivers since work started on the Metro extension in March last year – as well as causing damage to businesses.

The £150 million extended line from the St Georges terminal to the new railway station depot will not open until late 2020, following the completion of work to revamp the railway station.

Works along Pipers Row is expected to be finished at some point this summer.

Noise disruption

John Yapp, store manager at Big Phone Store on Market Street, said: "'The noise is affecting how we speak to customers. We are not able to hear ourselves speak some days."

The right turning from Bilston Street has been blocked off, forcing drivers to take the long way past the Central Library and new outdoor market to access the city centre.

Dawn Anderson and Sandy Hope, managers at Flowers in the City on Queen Street, said: "Getting back following a delivery of flowers is taking longer because of roadworks.

"We've had people tell us that they won't come into into Wolverhampton centre because of the roadworks."

'Nightmare'

Temporary signals are also in force, with drivers facing a long wait to get to the Ring Road due to queuing traffic.

An anonymous passer-by said: "'When a match is on, it's a nightmare.

"Traffic stops. More supporters are bound to come to Wolverhampton as the team continue to do well, so this is going to have an even bigger affect on how the traffic flows.

"People who work out traffic systems obviously don't live or work here long enough to see how we are all affected."

Railway Drive, at the top of Lichfield Street, also remains closed as work on phase three of the Metro extension continues.

Anna Tsinontas, the owner of Celebrations on Queen Street, said: "Businesses have taken a blow due to roadworks in Piper Row. I have had to have help paying the rent, as custom has been affected.

!Vibration from roadworks has knocked items off of shelves, which luckily didn't cause any damage."

It comes after business leader Sham Sharma, chairman of the Wolverhampton Business Forum, criticised the works and wondered when it would be completed by.

Midland Metro Alliance said it had been a "difficult time" for high street traders and it would maintain access to all the businesses.

A spokesman said: "We have also worked to make sure the public is aware that the area is open as usual whilst the works take place, including the provision of bespoke signage, video content and a number of targeted social media campaigns."

By Stephanie Geary

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