Eastbourne pedestrianisation works 'slowly but surely killing our business’, traders say
Town centre traders said pedestrianisation works in Eastbourne are ‘slowly but surely killing our business’.
Greg Rose and John Dale, owners of Maybugs in Terminus Road, shared a plea via Facebook to customers to ‘support our small independent business’.
In the video shared on October 31, the pair said: “We need your help and support.
"The roadworks in Eastbourne are slowly but surely killing our business.
"The current disruption has resulted in our Eastbourne store being 70 per cent down over the last two weeks.”
In the weeks since the video was shared, Greg and John have thanked customers for their increased support.
Work to pedestrianise Terminus Road between Bankers’ Corner and Marks & Spencer began in September. The roadworks will also see Bolton Road and Langney Road transition to two-way traffic flow.
The changes aim to ‘enhance accessibility for pedestrians, increase visitor numbers, help local businesses and improve the public space’, according to East Sussex Highways.
Mike Howells, owner of 7Ply Skatestore in Langney Road, said the roadworks have had ‘a massive effect’ on footfall.
"Trade is probably 30 to 40 per cent down since this has been going on,” he said.
"We had about a month where there were railings completely blocking the shop off. In all honesty, it’s moved around the corner now, [and] if anything it’s even worse.”
While Mike feels the pedestrianisation of Terminus Road is ‘necessary’, he doesn’t believe the project will benefit businesses in Langney Road.
"I think trade for Langney Road will be worse, but I think for everyone else it will improve it for them,” he said.
"No work is being done in this street, this street looks pretty grotty at the best of times. With all the nice new pavings everywhere, we’re going to look like the poor cousins, really.
"I just feel we’re cut off down here and nobody cares much about this street.”
Concerns are especially high in the lead-up to Christmas.
Greg said: “We welcome the works and what’s being done, it’s just the timing which is awful.
“The next eight weeks are the most important time of the year for our business where we make most of our profit to get through the quiet, cold months of the new year.
"But this year is already looking bleak.”
Mike added: “Christmas shopping’s already started, I’d usually be relatively busy by this time of year.
"I’ve had four customers in today, I’d usually expect to have at least 10 to 15 in by now.”
East Sussex County Council (ESCC) said it ‘appreciates the disruption these works are causing’.
“The scheme is part of an important improvement project to create a vibrant and attractive town centre, which will encourage more people to visit Eastbourne and bring a welcome boost to the local economy,” an ESCC spokesperson said.
“We appreciate the disruption these works are causing and are aware of the concerns raised by local traders.
"Our contractors are doing everything they can to minimise this as much as possible.
“Our project team and liaison officer continue to work closely with traders to maintain access to all businesses during opening hours, and support deliveries and bin collections.
"There is also a weekly drop-in where traders can discuss any issues with the team directly.”