FORDINGBRIDGE is still open for business, say traders despite a main route in the town being closed.

A number of businesses in the town say footfall has already been affected by the closure of Bridge Street, which is expected to last for about another three weeks for blockwork to be replaced and the carriageway to be resurfaced.

Caroline Roylance, who runs the George pub in Bridge Street, said: “We are open, keep coming.

“All the businesses are open as usual.”

“It has impacted us and I know it’s affecting the whole town,” she added. “The footfall in the town is probably down a good 50 per cent. But I think some of the other shops are seeing it even worse than that. We were quieter last week than we would expect. It is half term this week so we’re hoping it is not going to affect us too much.”

On Saturday, David Shering and his Comtois heavy horse, Bresil, took advantage of the road closure on Saturday and made a special visit to the George as well as stopping off at the Gourmet Grocer in High Street for some apples on the way back to help promote the town.

David said: “It was a good opportunity to ride Bresil through town knowing we wouldn’t meet a double decker bus or too many lorries. We wanted to raise the profile of Fordingbridge while the bridge over the Avon is closed as it has been a trying time for traders in the town.”

Work on the road started last Monday as part of Hampshire County Council’s (HCC) operation resilience programme. There is pedestrian access along Bridge Street.

Clare Johnston, of The Gourmet Grocer, said: “Sadly, Fordingbridge has been a ghost town since the roadworks started. Could this be coincidental, yes, but either way I and the other businesses are feeling it.

“Road repairs are essential but the footfall into the town is equally essential for independent businesses to survive in what is already a tough climate and with over a month of road works ahead this will have a huge impact on takings if people are flocking to Ringwood for ease.”

Karen and Mike Parke, of The Dolls House in Bridge Street, say their takings are down, adding: “With this week being half term we were anticipating a good weeks’ takings, but so far we’re hardly seeing anyone though the door. If the road works over run for any amount of time, we will really struggle to stay open.

“There are many independent shops in the town and if they are not supported by shoppers, the high street will turn into a ghost town like what is seen across the country.”

Sally Reed, of Jane the Florist in Salisbury Street, said the shop’s Valentine’s trade was particular hard hit, adding: “We have been trading in Fordingbridge for over 10 years and this has got to be the worst Valentine’s day for us. We have noticed a drop in day-to-day business too.”

Dave Tree, of All the Cool Stuff in High Street, says he is running daily incentives and offers to attract people into the town and is encouraging other businesses to do the same.

Councillor Rob Humby, executive member for environment and transport at HCC, said: “I understand the concerns of the local retail and business community but can assure them that we did all that we could to minimise disruption and complete the work within the shortest possible timescale.”

“In planning the work for Fordingbridge we were careful to avoid the busy run-up to Christmas, to support local traders and to get in and do this essential work ahead of the start of the peak tourist season. Although the road was closed to traffic, we maintained pedestrian access throughout the duration of the works and had signs in place to remind residents and visitors that businesses were open as usual.”

“The work that was carried out was part of our planned maintenance programme – Operation Resilience – through which we are investing millions of pounds to extend the life of Hampshire road surfaces and make the county’s network more resilient to withstand the impact of extremes in weather and heavy traffic.”