All town centre traders suffering due to roadworks

Date published: 30/03/2008

Rochdale Town Centre Management Company have responded to an article published on the 18 March in which we reported that traders in Town Centre shopping centre Rochdale Exchange are losing custom as shoppers vote with their feet.

Suzy Woods of Rochdale TCM points out that this situation reflects the whole of Rochdale town centre, not just the Exchange Shopping Centre. She cites a number of reasons: "The major road works that have been taking place at the gateways to our town centre have had a significant impact on trade making it extremely difficult to access the town centre. Sudden roundabout was closed for four weekends in order for workers to carry out essential resurfacing work.

"As with all regeneration work businesses unfortunately suffer, however once the works are completed, the new junction layouts will reduce delays and congestion for all road users, and improve significantly the visual gateway to our Town Centre.

"This has all taken place only months after the disruption to Yorkshire Street and the impact that traders have suffered as this has taken place.

"Traders need to be supported through times like these and it’s important that partners work together to help Rochdale through this difficult period.

"We have exciting times ahead with the recent developer announcement and it is imperative now that the schedule is well managed as we go forward."

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/7889/