Worried traders want two vital roads in Harborough town centre re-opened as they fear for their futures

Worried traders are calling for two vital roads in Market Harborough town centre to be re-opened immediately as they fear being forced to shut.

Shopkeepers on Church Street and Adam and Eve Street are being backed by Cllr Phil Knowles as local businesses face a mountain to climb after being battered by the Covid-19 crisis.

Cllr Phil King, who leads Harborough council, insists they are listening and are keeping an “open mind in a fast-moving situation” as the coronavirus lockdown is eased.

Anxious Amber Lucas, who manages Gardners Cakery on Church Street, said: “We would like to see both Church Street and Adam and Eve Street re-opened now.

“We can understand why the roads were closed temporarily as our town centre began to re-open after the virus lockdown.

“But it’s just not busy enough to warrant closing these roads now and severely reducing our footfall.”

She warned: “It was always going to be very tough to bounce back from the coronavirus pandemic anyway.

“We were shut from late March to June 16.

“We have already lost three months takings and had no income.

“This extraordinary crisis is going to affect every one of us here trading in Market Harborough.

“And sadly some people might not come through it.”

Amber, whose mum Helen Gardner set up their much-loved cake shop in 2012, said it was going to be a long haul to recover after the devastating 12-week crash.

“We are really struggling with footfall – some customers are still very wary.

“People don’t want to park up in a car park some distance away and walk across to us – especially if it’s raining,” she said.

“We need to encourage shoppers to park in the street outside once again and pop straight in.

“We are only operating at about 30-40 per cent of our usual level of trade.

“We have 11-12 people working at our bakery in Northampton.

“And to look after them and keep them all in a job we need to the council to re-open Church Street as soon as possible.”

Cllr Knowles, who heads up Harborough council’s Liberal Democrat opposition, said: “My heart goes out to Amber and her fellow traders on Church Street and Adam and Eve Street.

“Too many shoppers are being deterred from venturing down those streets and it’s seriously hurting trade.”

He added: “I do support health and safety and the need for social distancing.

“I understand why these two roads were initially closed as non-essential shops re-opened last month.

“But it’s high time to think again.

“The entire UK economy is in a state of Covid-19 shock and our fine independent traders are desperate.

“There is a sensible argument for re-opening these roads now.”

Cllr King said: “This is about customer confidence.

“We have a tightrope to walk between keeping people safe on the one hand and recharging our local economy on the other.

“And we are getting a mixed message from traders in that part of the town centre.

“Some are OK with the road closures while others say they are suffering.”

The council leader said they have now written to businessmen and women to update them on the latest state of play and ask for their thoughts.

“We are listening and asking them to keep in touch.

“We can’t just remove the road barriers.

“We’d have to follow through a set process with the county council, the highways authority,” said Cllr King.

“It might not be perfect but we are doing all we can and we will continue to review this situation day by day.”

He has told local shopkeepers in his letter:

“The temporary road closures were introduced to ensure businesses could operate safely, assist in queue management, help pedestrians negotiate the pavements/ streets, enable social distancing and so help reduce the risk to potential customers.

“As the Government plans for the re-opening of sectors like hairdressers, restaurants, bars and cafes, leisure and accommodation, there will potentially be a positive impact on footfall which are actively monitoring.

“We are reviewing these road closures weekly and have made a number of practical adjustments based on evidence and advice we receive from a range of sources including businesses and the public.”

Cllr King added: “There is no doubt as the sectors, mentioned above, return to the town centre, we will gain more intelligence about footfall patterns.

“We value your feedback and should you wish to contact us about the road closures you can do this through emailing [email protected]

“We will be launching a ‘Shop Local Campaign’ shortly which will include promotional material, including the offer of a ‘shop local’ sign for shop to display to show you are open.

“I know you will be doing everything you can to attract customers.

“I want to assure you that we are doing everything we can, to make sure that the town centre is as safe as possible to ensure people can shop with confidence.

“Please do contact the council’s team by email [email protected] if you have any questions, concerns or suggestions.”