Calls for compensation for businesses affected by 'horrendous' Willenhall roadwork chaos
A Willenhall South councillor has called for a compensation scheme for businesses affected by ongoing roadworks in Willenhall.
Councillor Simran Cheema said footfall in the town centre has been decimated by the ongoing roadworks along Bilston Street, New Road and Portobello.
Roadworks began in March as part of the construction of the new railway station in Willenhall, a project being delivered by Transport for West Midlands (TfWM).
A month later, further roadworks commenced in the area for the Noose Lane, Pinson Road and Rose Hill cycle scheme.
Councillor Cheema said: “We worked hard to try and bring footfall and activity into the town centre, now it’s decimated.
“The railway has been in the pipeline since 2018. Why have they panicked now and decided to do all the works at once?
“It’s bad planning and bad management from the council. Once the works are complete there won’t be businesses in the area.”
Councillor Cheema has called for business rates relief and a compensation scheme for affected businesses.
She said: “Whoever is responsible for this needs to be held accountable. This railway station has been planned since 2018 and the council has only left it until now to do the cycle lane. It should have been done in phases, rather than all in one go.”
Tarik Rashid, managing director at a solicitors on New Road, said: “Nobody seems to know what these roadworks are all about. Information is nonexistent.
“We operate by an appointment system and when you’re directing them, it’s anyone’s guess how you direct them. It’s really frustrating.
“We would like to see the area do well but at the moment it looks like it’s having a negative impact on the businesses and community itself. It has definitely had an impact on morale.”
Dan Lee, manager at Angling Direct, said: “It’s quicker to get to Walsall from Wolverhampton than it is to Willenhall.
“It is horrendous considering it’s a main road. Everywhere you go, you’re sitting in traffic.
“They need to get more people on the roadworks, the quicker they can get it done the better it will be for everybody.”
A spokesperson for Walsall Council said: “Small businesses can apply for business rate relief which may mean a temporary reduction in business rates if premises are found to be financially affected by severe disruption from roadworks. Information is available on the gov.uk website at https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-business-rate-relief.
“The funding grant conditions imposed on the council mean that on this occasion nearby projects must be delivered concurrently, and the traffic management has been designed to safely deliver all the works in the shortest possible time. Inevitably with such a large programme of much-needed regeneration activity in the town there will be some unavoidable short-term disruption.
“Residents, businesses and other stakeholders have been informed by consultation events, letter drops and on-line resources, but the feedback received will help improve how the council and other scheme promoters communicate important information.”
A TfWM spokesperson said: “The development of new stations at Willenhall and Darlaston will restore passenger rail services to this part of the Black Country for the first time in more than 60 years – a huge boost for residents and local traders.
“When opened Willenhall Station will help bring more people to the town centre and make it a more attractive place to live, work and run a business for many years to come.
“Construction work on the road access is due to finish in August. We have worked with partners including Walsall Council, to coordinate this with their work on a new cycleway and to help keep disruption to a minimum.”
