West Bay traders demand compensation for road closures (From Dorset Echo)

West Bay traders demand compensation for road closures

3:00pm Monday 18th February 2013 in News By Rene Gerryts

COMPENSATION PLEA: Development work protesters at West Bay

TRADERS in West Bay are so angry with enhancement scheme roadworks devastating their businesses they want compensation.

A group got together to air their concerns and enlist the help of Councillor Ros Kayes.

Under the enhancement scheme roads around the bay will be closed for three weeks for resurfacing – and one of those weeks is half term.

They say letters went to residents – but not businesses – notifying them of the closure, which they say will be catastrophic for their livelihoods.

Anne Guppy of Prototech said her takings since the roadworks started are down 50 per cent.

“The effects anyway have been devastating, the co-ordination, the health and safety and access is in such a complete mess.

“They have got to be running so late, it is not even half complete and they are practically at the end of their original deadline.”

She added: “We really need some help and support. We are looking for compensation.

“We are going to have three weeks of road closures and one of those is a half-term week. This is all vital economy for us. We are distraught.”

Traders at the meeting included Lindsey Blair, who runs four businesses in the bay, Gerry White, co-ordinator of the Homewatch scheme, and Colin Paul of the Bayside and Finesse.

Others were Steven Jones of the Bridport Arms, Richard Attrill of Harbour Stores and Neil Chilcott of The Riverside.

They said the timing of the road closures was appalling.

A Dorset County Council spokesman said: “Visitors will be able to access West Bay as normal during the first week.

“We sent letters to both local residents and businesses to inform them of the works. In November, we also sent a letter to Bridport Chamber of Commerce, which we understand includes West Bay, to let them know about the scheme.”