Businesses divided over impact of York city centre sewer repairs
Arlima in an empty Notting Hill Jacket blames the repairs for hitting trade and making business "very quiet." (Image: Darren Greenwood)
Businesses are divided over the impact of sewer repairs in the heart of York that have forced street closures.
Colliergate and King’s Square have been shut to traffic since Monday, September 28, for water main and sewer works being carried out by Yorkshire Water.
The project follows previous repair work in the same area earlier this year, which also required street closures.
Although pedestrians can still access businesses the area, those closest to the works have reported a mixed impact on customer numbers.
- Colliergate and King’s Square closed for sewer work
- York city centre works by Northern Powergrid cause issues
- Market Place Post Office in Colliergate has reopened
A road sign warns of the repairs. (Image: Darren Greenwood)
When The Press visited the site on Thursday, contractors were busily working away on the repairs.
At Notting Hill Jacket, Arlima and a colleague were surveying an empty store when The Press called, with them blaming the repairs for hitting trade.
Arlima said: "It's very quiet. We have no customers. People are not coming."
At the Oliver Bonas store next door, the manager who gave his name as Max, said the repairs had "not majorly" affected business at the store.
A road sign warns of the repairs. (Image: Darren Greenwood)
"As long as it doesn't take as long as before. A couple of months ago, a six week project turned into 13 weeks."
As The Press reported yesterday (Thur), Yorkshire Water says this week's work on Kings Square is to complete a permanent reinstatement of the ground following a complex sewer repair earlier in the year.
A road sign warns of the repairs. (Image: Darren Greenwood)
A spokesman continued: "To enable us to do so safely, we're operating under a road closure. At the same time, we're connecting a commercial building to the mains network on Colliergate.
"We've brought this work forward, in careful planning with the council, so that we don't need to instate further roadworks in the area in the near future.
"We appreciate that this work is disruptive and thank everyone in the area for their patience."
A signed diversion route remains in place, directing traffic via Church Street, Parliament Street, and Pavement.
Yorkshire Water has said the works are expected to be completed later this week.