'People actually left': York businesses count cost of repeated roadworks
The latest closure marks the fourth time the area has been affected by sewer works this year, following repairs in January, April and September (Image: Abby Backhouse)
BUSINESSES in one of York's busiest streets say ongoing roadworks are costing them money, driving away customers and creating access problems.
It comes after a section of Low Petergate was sectioned off from pedestrians by Yorkshire Water to allow for emergency sewer repair works on October 15.
The road, between its junctions with Church Street and Goodramgate, is expected to remain closed to vehicles until Friday (November 6).
The latest closure marks the fourth time the area has been affected by sewer works this year, following repairs in January, April and September.
The latest closure marks the fourth time the area has been affected by sewer works this year, following repairs in January, April and September (Image: Abby Backhouse)
Speaking about the works currently affecting Low Petergate, a Yorkshire Water spokesperson said: “Following investigations into recurring issues in the sewer network, we identified a defect on Low Petergate that was allowing materials to enter the sewer, causing repeat blockages.
“Whilst we have been carrying out regular maintenance to reduce the risk of internal sewer flooding in nearby properties, we are now completing a permanent repair.”
Businesses on the street have reported “falling footfall, delivery difficulties and excessive noise” as the water company carries out works ahead of the start of York Christmas Market on November 12.
'It's having a huge impact on business'
Phillippa Pickering, general manager of Wildwood, an Italian restaurant, said the latest works were having a significant impact on trade.
She said: "It's having a huge impact on business.
"There have been four occasions where this has happened this year. We lost two tables recently from the building shaking due to the drilling – people actually left the restaurant.
“It has affected our visibility because we can't put A-boards out to tell people that we're still open.
"It has cost us a lot of money and delivery staff are frustrated at having to park down the next street."
The street will remain closed to vehicles until November 6 (Image: Newsquest)
Philippa said the disruption was also impacting Uber Eats and Deliveroo drivers and claimed two bookings had been cancelled because customers with disabilities faced restricted access to the restaurant.
She added: "We understand that these things happen, but it just seems that this happens more often right outside our door.”
However, neighbouring businesses were more understanding of the works, despite acknowledging the disruption.
'Yes, it's a nuisance, but it's a necessary one'
Gabi, manager of Bella Italia, said Yorkshire Water had notified businesses about a week in advance and had provided guidance on deliveries.
"They want to get it done before the Christmas Market starts," she said.
"Yes, it's a nuisance, but it's a necessary one.
"It's obviously not great for us. It has reduced our view on the street and footfall has dropped, but it needs to be done."
At Iris Galerie, gallery manager Lucy Hinson said noise had been the biggest issue.
She said: “It’s not the worst thing when it pops up, it's mainly the noise.
"As with many retail stores, we have an open-door policy and we're not actually supposed to shut the door.
"When we have to close it, it makes it seem like we've shut for the day and we can't communicate with the people who come into the gallery as easily."
'People aren't even noticing that we are here'
Lucy said pedestrian numbers had fallen because people were avoiding the area or sticking to one side of the street.
She added: "Footfall is definitely dropping quite a lot because people are keeping to one side of the works or the other.
"The pedestrians may not even be coming to the gallery’s roadside because of the inconvenience and congestion. It's a really narrow pathway for people to get to us and the other businesses.
"People aren't even noticing that we are here."
Charlotte Watkin, store manager at JoJo Maman Bébé, said the business had escaped the worst of the disruption but sympathised with neighbouring cafés and restaurants (Image: Google Maps)
Meanwhile, Charlotte Watkin, store manager at JoJo Maman Bébé, said the business had escaped the worst of the disruption but sympathised with neighbouring cafés and restaurants.
She said: "We haven't noticed it causing too much disruption to footfall in the store.
"It picked up a little for the Yorkshire Marathon.
"It's just been very noisy this morning.
"This is a problem because our shop has always been a safe and quiet space for families and children."
Charlotte said Yorkshire Water had written to businesses in advance to outline the works but added that customers could be put off by the disruption.
She added: "From a customer point of view, why would you want to venture down a street with these kinds of works and tight walkways? You would go down a different street."
Charlotte said JoJo’s had now arranged for deliveries to arrive earlier in the morning to avoid difficulties once the works were underway.
Speaking about the works on Friday (October 16), a Yorkshire Water spokesperson said: “To enable our teams to complete the work, and to keep everyone in the area safe, a closure is in place on Low Petergate.
“This will remain until the work is complete, which is currently expected to be on 6 November.
“We have sought to minimise disruption as much as possible.
“A signed diversion is in place, and pedestrian access and access to businesses is maintained.
“We apologise for the inconvenience and thank everyone in the area for their patience and understanding.”