Fear month-long road closure will hit businesses

Traders have voiced their concerns that a month-long road closure in a Kent town will heavily affect their businesses.

The closure is across two separate highway and utility improvement works in Appledore Road, Tenterden.

Business owners have told the BBC that the disruption was "inconvenient" and could cost them "thousands" in revenue loss.

Kent County Council (KCC) said that the first set of highway improvements, from Monday until 19 August, is in connection with a property development on the road.

Property developer Vistry Homes said that the works were necessary before building work commences.

A spokesperson apologised for the disruption it had caused to connect new street lighting and signage.

"For safety reasons, a road closure and diversion is needed due to the road width and the position of the excavations," they said.

Vistry Homes said that it had been scheduled during the school holidays to "help reduce the impact on traffic and the community".

Peter Osborne, KCC councillor responsible for highways and transport, said: "We understand residents' and businesses' concerns about the disruption these works will cause."

He added that KCC would carry out "additional inspections and monitor diversion routes and signage".

"We will continue working with the developer to minimise disruption and maintain access arrangements where possible," he said.

The council said that after the housing developer's works had been completed, the local authority would carry out additional resurfacing works in Appledore Road from 24 to 30 August.

Daniel Hume, head of retail for Tenterden Garden Centre, said that there had been "a lot of local frustration".

"There's been big concerns over the length of the closure," he said.

"We anticipate a 50% loss in revenue, which amounts to approximately £150,000."

Tyler Bird, manager of Gladwells Pet Store, said that his business could lose up to £30,000.

He claimed that there had been "little communication" about the road closures.

"We have launched a joint petition with local businesses and residents which collected about 2,500 signatures," he said.

Bird said that the diversion would make journeys to Tenterden town centre much longer for many people.

Jackie Belt, owner of Setts Wood Farm, described the road closure as "inconvenient".

She said that it would make journeys more difficult for guests staying in her holiday lets and campsite.

She added that it was "quite embarrassing" that visitors had to take a lengthy diversion.

Belt said that she expected to lose about £5,000 because of the disruption.

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