Business

‘I hope they can get the work done quickly’ – businesses in West Bromwich struggle as main road is closed

By Paul Jenkins

Copyright expressandstar

'I hope they can get the work done quickly' - businesses in West Bromwich struggle as main road is closed

Repairs are being carried out on the sewer 14-foot underground in Hill Top by Severn Trent Water workers between Witton Lane and New Swan Lane, Black Lake in West Bromwich meaning that part of the road is closed

It has resulted in traffic disruption and bus services being diverted. They include the popular National Express West Midlands 79 bus service which runs from Wolverhampton to the town via Bilston, Darlaston, and Wednesbury.

The work is slated to be completed by October 17 but some businesses and people who use the busy route for shopping said it can’t come soon enough.

George Pitsillos who runs the Hill Top Fish Bar said business was down since the roadworks started on September 22.

He said: “I understand it was an emergency and we couldn’t be given much notice but trade has noticeably declined since it started. It used to be a very busy route but now cars aren’t allowed through though some of them chance it but we used to rely on motorists for much of our custom particularly in the afternoon.

“I just hope they can get the work done quickly and get the road re-open. Bus passengers have also been put off by the diversion and extra time it is taking on their route, this is a very popular shopping area, with the library here as well it is usually bustling.”

Shopper Shamina Choudry said she couldn’t believe how quiet the area was since the work started.

She said: “All the shops are reporting fallen trade or the ones I use anyway. Times are hard enough as it is but I guess the work has to be done I just hope the work will be completed soon.”

A spokesperson for utility operator Severn Trent Water, which is responsible for sewer pipes, said: “We’re sorry for the disruption caused on Hill Top in West Bromwich where we have a team making an emergency repair to a sewer pipe.

“Due to the location of the repair and to keep our teams and road users safe, a road closure has will be in place for the duration of the works. We’d like to assure everyone that we’ll be working as quickly as possible to reopen the road and have everything back to normal.”

A statement from Sandwell Council said: ” The emergency works on Hill Top West Bromwich are to repair a collapse to a foul sewer that is located 4.5m deep below the carriageway.

“This has resulted in the integrity of the carriageway being compromised. Severn Trent Water commenced works to repair the sewer and return the carriageway to a safe condition on September 22 and are currently due to complete the works by October 17.”

*Towards West Bromwich, bus service 79 is running via Holloway Bank, Witton Lane Jowett’s Lane, Clarkes Lane, Heath Lane, Vicarage Road, Church Lane and Old Meeting Street and vice versa.