Dollingstown road works hit profits
ROADWORKS are driving a trader out of business, it's been claimed.
Ayman Hammoud, owner of the D. Town Diner in Dollingstown said disruption from major works outside his shop was driving away customers.
The work, he claims, has hit his profits by a over 65 per cent, he said: "I've cut back on staff and bills as much as I can - but it's still not enough.
"Customers are faced with a big delay trying to get to the shop, so instead they go somewhere else."
Roads Service contractors are currently working on the section of road in front of Ayman's shop. A new roundabout will be completed in the next couple of weeks. A set of four-way temporary traffic lights are in place while the road is reduced to a single lane - which can cause delays.
He said: "Everytime I try talking to either the contractors or the Roads Service they pass the ball between each other.
"Not only is there the work that has hit my business badly, but there are a few things that have added to the disruption.
"A road roller was parked blocking access to my shop, there was no need for it to be there. To me it seems that they are working with other traders to help them through the disruption - but not me."
The Belfast Road has been dug-up several times in the past number of years by various agencies and utility companies.
According to Ayman the work could have been planned better, he added: "There's no consultation, nobody cares what kind of disruption this work causes. All the businesses around me are suffering.
"I am making 4 or 5 a day, things are getting really bad for me - it's becoming impossible. But what's crazy is that come July it's our quiet time, business is slow and some of us close for the period.
"Had Roads Service sat down and talked it through with us and decided to do the work during that period - then I and possibly others would not be considering closing the business for good.
"They have pushed me to the brink."
The 'MAIL' talked with other traders in the centre, many said business was affected and had cut staff hours to minimise the impact.
One trader said the new roundabout would help slow traffic and could boost future business.
The work was scheduled for 10 weeks beginning on May 4 with the proposed new roundabout open ahead of the July holidays. However, delays have meant a temporary surface will be laid with the final surfacing completed after the holiday.
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Sunday 12 February 2012
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