Business owner seeks compensation over traffic woes

The owner of a five-a-side football business is seeking compensation for the impact he believes traffic is having on his business.

Anthony Olejnik said the popularity of North Weald Market, in Essex, meant surrounding roads near Shooters became gridlocked every Saturday.

His concerns followed fellow businessman Paul Sullivan stating custom at his golf range was being "annihilated" by the congestion.

Both Epping Forest District Council and the market operator have been contacted for comment.

Mr Olejnik said cuts to Romford Market had meant more people were visiting North Weald's event instead.

More than 300 traders - sometimes including former Apprentice personality Thomas Skinner - set up at the airfield where it is based each week.

The owner of Shooters said he used to have 60 children playing football at his venue on Saturday mornings, but now he would "be lucky" if he got 40.

Parents had started giving up taking their youngsters due to it taking them 50 minutes to complete what should be a 10-minute journey, he said.

"It's got to a point now where part of my livelihood is being taken away," Mr Olejnik said.

"If I do end up having to close because this is consistently happening then I need compensating for that. I'm losing hundreds of pounds every Saturday."

Mr Olejnik's concerns echoed what Mr Sullivan told the BBC in May, with golf lessons being cancelled due to lateness.

Mr Sullivan said the rise in its popularity had led to his business, in Rayley Lane, being up to 50% down on market days.

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