Businesses remain hopeful despite 'project management disaster'

It comes as the road works have been extended for around six weeks, the Journal understands. 

As previously reported, the work had previously been "on schedule" to finish this summer. 

But now it looks like the disruption will continue until at least early September. 

While some business owners remain hopeful, others have told the Journal that customer traffic had fallen by as much as 50 per cent.

You can read Wiltshire Council's response to this story in full here

Business owners still believe the finished product of the Fisherton Gateway Project will be an improvement for the area, despite the works creating significant disruption. (Image: Newsquest)

Nigel McNally, 63, who has run Bailey’s Domestic Appliances for 17 years, said there has been no accommodation for business’ needs during the works.

Nigel said: “It’s been a complete disaster. We’ve been very strongly invested in the project, and we still are; we know that in the long term it’s going to be great.”

Nevertheless, problems have abounded, not least of which has been difficulties in receiving stock. Nigel said that on Saturday, March 23, a lorry delivering inventory was unable to access any section of the road near the shop.

Nigel said: “We were having to trundle washing machines, cookers and fridge freezers from right down on the bridge bringing it all the way back to the shop because there is just no facility now for us to get any deliveries.

“When I’m saying it’s a project management disaster, it is an absolute disaster.”

Footfall has also been much lower.

Nigel said: “The minute they started all this construction on both sides of the street here, it was like somebody turned the switch off.”

Nigel McNally of Bailey's Domestic Appliances. (Image: Newsquest)

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Across the street, Michelle Stevens, 60, runs The Flamingo Restaurant alongside her mother Doreen Stevens, 86. The restaurant has been owned by the Stevens family since its start 50 years ago and on Tuesday, March 19, it saw the slowest day of business in its five-decade history.

Michelle said: “Footfall has gone down, I would say, at least 50 per cent.

“With these barriers now which is making the pavement narrower, obviously people are getting fed up with having to stop and let someone through.”

Michelle’s sister, Nicola Stevens, 56, has operated Pothecary next door for 30 years.

Nicola said: “I suppose people avoid it because obviously it’s all shut off at the end here now. They can’t get through. They’ve been saying it’s all shut here and shut there.”

Michelle added: “Every day we turn up and we think ‘where do we go to get across the road now?’ Because obviously, the walkways are always changing up here.”

Michelle Stevens (left) and Nicola Stevens (right) of The Flamingo Restaurant and Pothecary, respectively. (Image: Newsquest)

At The Barber Academy, Tanz Ashton, 47, has also seen a significant drop in footfall, which he attributes to not just the Fisherton Gateway Project but other construction across Salisbury discouraging people from further afield to drive into Salisbury, which used to represent more of his business.

Tanz said: “For people who live here, it’s still alright, but people just aren’t travelling to come here anymore.

“It’s probably a 30 per cent impact.”

Tanz said in his 30 years of working at different places across Salisbury, including eight at The Barber Academy, the current state of the road system and business turnover is unlike anything he remembers from before.

Tanz Ashton of The Barber Academy. (Image: Newsquest)

Tanz said: “I’ve never seen chaos like it.

“When it’s done it should be a lot better, but it’s costing a lot of money for business owners. We’ve lost a lot of money. I haven’t had a pavement for four months.

“This is the lowest it’s ever been in 30 years.”

At Chris Wadge Clocks, Patrick Wadge, 60, also remains hopeful for the future after the project, despite the growing pains. He said he has been lucky that the project has not had a large impact on his turnover due to the niche nature of his business.

Patrick Wadge of Chris Wadge Clocks. (Image: Newsquest)

Patrick, as secretary of the Fisherton Traders Association, said he has heard a general consensus among business owners of positivity for the finished project, despite the frustrations.

Patrick said: “They can see that it’s going to be a benefit in the end.”

Wiltshire Council has been contacted for more information.