Traders frustrated as road closure extended

Ledbury traders will do “as much as they can” to bring shoppers back to the town when the A449 finally reopens.

Business owners say the road closure at British Camp in Malvern has affected footfall, although it is hard to say to what extent.

The road is set to remain closed for at least another month, according to Worcestershire County Council, following the appearance of a new landslip – and not reopen as planned on April 24.

Lizzie Gissane, owner of Ledbury Lead and chair of Ledbury Traders Association, said: “It’s difficult to know whether [the closure] is the cause of the lower footfall.

“We do have quieter days but whether it’s because of the road or politics, it’s hard to say. It could be a number of things.

“There is definitely less consistency – there are days of lower footfall and also days when everybody is visiting Ledbury.

“The road closure will affect footfall. Over Christmas, we had people saying ‘it was such a pain to get here’ and that they wouldn’t be back until the road re-opened.

“With the closure going on for so long, there is the danger that new habits get formed and some people stop coming here.”

Ms Gillane said traders have found the “lack of communication frustrating”.

“We have asked to be kept in the loop but haven’t heard anything – about a possible end date for the works or anything,” she said.

“It would be nice to know so we can plan something to bring people back in.”

The traders’ association ran a ‘Love Local’ campaign throughout February, which encouraged shoppers to visit more of Ledbury’s independent businesses.

Following its success, a similar scheme is set to run in July. Traders are also planning to take part in this year’s Ledbury Carnival.

“It’s a big event and we’ve wanted to support in previous years by advertising but we’re looking to be more proactive now – we’re doing as much as we can,” said Ms Gillane.