Spalding businesses report drop in takings and footfall thanks to Anglian Water’s second closure of Commercial Road

The closure of a major town route for the second time in as many weeks is having a serious impact on nearby businesses - which are reporting a drop in takings and footfall as a result.

Spalding was once again brought to a standstill during Monday’s rush hour after Commercial Road was closed by Anglian Water in order to repair a sewer pipe.

This is less than two weeks since the busy riverside route was closed by the water company to repair a burst sewer pipe — which also created chaos in the town.

Some business along Commercial Road and High Street have reported a massive impact on footfall and takings as the closure of a integral part of the one-way system around the River Welland.

The road has been dug up close to the EYG showroom in Commercial Road.

Showroom manager Peter Anderson said: “It has stopped people coming to the showroom as they are having to drive around. The traffic has been murderous.

“We have noticed a drop-off in footfall other than the inconvenience to staff.”

A spokesman for Rooke’s Pet Products in High Street has reported a drop of more than half of its takings due to the first closure.

He said: “Over the weekend trade wasn’t so bad as people are more patient. Today (Monday) has been really bad.

“There’s a sign up saying ‘businesses operating as usual’ but if people can’t get to them it is pointless putting them up.

“People can’t get by unless the follow the diversion - which they haven’t put up very well.”

He said that people are travelling along the bypass to Low Road and Albert Street.

The spokesman said: “We have a car park as we sell a lot of bulk bags. We can do local deliveries.”

Things have not been as bad for nearby ProBodies which has seen clients being late for appointments due to the roadworks.

Personal trainer Philip Lindsay said: “Everyone is still coming in for appointments and a personal training, our clients were ten minutes late.”

Anglian Water has promised that the road will be ‘reinstated’ in the coming days - but would not state if it is repairing the same pipe as last time.

She said: “We are very sorry for any traffic disruption on Commercial Road in Spalding over the next couple of days.

“We have had to close the road so that our teams can repair a burst sewer pipe. We know this area has seen a lot of roadworks recently, so we’d like to thank residents for their patience as we get things back to normal.

“All being well, we're expecting to get the road reinstated by the middle of this week.”

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