Town traffic chaos 'nightmare' for businesses

Traders in a Nottinghamshire town claim they are losing business due to "nightmare" roadworks.

The work on part of Watnall Road, Hucknall, which has been going on since 24 June, has been blamed for causing congestion and obstructing access.

Jackie Wells, who owns a garden centre, says the additional closure of Wighay Road and a lane on the A611 had "created a perfect storm".

The county council said it "understands frustrations", but the "essential works" were due to end ahead of schedule.

The main work is between Nabbs Lane and the A611 bypass for 81 houses being built on the former home of Hucknall Town FC.

Jackie Wells, 61, who has owned Keycraft Garden Centre and Buildings for 22 years, said it had been a "nightmare".

"[The roadworks have] created a perfect storm that never should have been allowed to happen," she said.

"We're losing a lot of business from the bottom end of Hucknall and the surrounding areas.

"I would say we're about £30,000 down. It's a hell of a lot of money."

Hannah Perkins, 34, who runs Passion for Pets dog walking, said: "As I'm picking one dog up, I could get delayed by 10 or 15 minutes, but then over the space of the day that obviously adds up.

"And the other day, I was running behind by about two hours and that makes a really big difference.

"I shouldn't have to panic all the time and it shouldn't be my reputation on the line because of someone else's poor planning."

Lorraine Seddon, 51, provides care in the community for elderly people and says closures are making it difficult to get to clients.

"It's putting 20-25 minutes on my journeys," she said.

"We're struggling to get to them for their time-sensitive medications. It's putting them at risk and they are vulnerable clients."

Nottinghamshire county councillor Neil Clarke said: "The roadworks have been essential, delivered by external parties to support developments in the area, but we understand the frustration they have caused to residents and road users.

"That's why we have successfully pushed to bring the completion date forward.

"The works on Watnall Road are now due to finish two weeks ahead of schedule on 7 December, with the improvements on Wighay Road due to be completed by 18 December."

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