Businesses fear latest roadworks will hit trade

Businesses are concerned about potential disruption due to a roadworks project on a major route in Hull.

Signs went up last week stating six months of major work would begin on Monday on Freetown Way. The city council said this was the first phase of a project to turn the road back into two lanes for traffic and move the cycle lane on to the pavement.

Richard Hall, landlord of The County pub, said he had invested significantly in recent months and had not been notified about the work.

Mark Ieronimo, portfolio holder for transportation, roads and highways, said: "We're very sensitive to the impact on businesses and we'll do everything that we can to make sure that we minimise the impact."

Freetown Way was reduced to a single lane in each direction when cycle lanes were introduced in 2020. The new works will start on the eastbound footpath between Blundell's Corner and Wright Street.

Hall, who took over The County in May, said: "I've put all this money in, [only] to find out now the business might be dramatically impacted for six months."

Ieronimo said there had been "lots of engagement right from the start" on the plans with local businesses.

Last year, nearby businesses said they had seen a 40% reduction in takings, which they claimed was due to a separate road scheme, involving repairs to Drypool Bridge.

Ieronimo said: "We're always looking to make improvements. Things don't always go as you want them to do, but we're very sensitive to the impact on businesses."

Jelena, who works at a Gift Shop off Freetown Way and commutes down the road daily, said: "I am sick of seeing roadworks. I think it will cause trouble, especially when it's school hours.

"I think we are tired from the roadworks because they've been going on for years. There's been mistakes with bicycle lanes in the city centre which have continued to cause trouble."

The gift shop is under renovation and plans to reopen soon, but Jelena believes they will lose customers due to the roadworks.

Ieronimo said: "Over the next six months this will be fairly straightforward. There might be some minor traffic management but we've timed this so that there's the least impact on drivers.

"We appreciate as you approach Christmas you don't want to be stuck in traffic. So the major more disruptive works will appear after that."

The scheme would include new cycle-friendly junctions at Blundell's Corner and Witham, as well as Freetown Way's junctions with Wright Street, Charles Street, Caroline Street/Worship Street and George Street.

Footways on both sides of the road between Witham and Blundell's Corner would also be widened, a council spokesperson said.

The whole project is estimated to last until the end of 2028.

CLARIFICATION, 14 September: In an earlier version of this article, a business expressed concerns that people might not be able to cross Freetown Way. The council has confirmed the only crossing that will be affected over the next six months is located near Pryme Street.

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