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Walsall Council has apologised to a restaurant owner in Willenhall after installing barriers outside his business last week. Shah Ali, who owns Bengal Relish on Bilston Street, said the council’s ‘mistake’ was the latest blow to his business as ongoing roadworks have decimated the usual footfall. READ MORE: Anger over new hospital parking fees as staff set to protest Willenhall has become something of a ghost town since maintenance works along New Road, Bilston Street and Portobello have led to road closures and diversions. Works first began in March for the construction of the new railway station in Willenhall, a project being delivered by Transport for West Midlands. A month later, Walsall Council started further roadworks in the area for the Noose Lane, Pinson Road and Rose Hill cycle scheme. Shah’s restaurant opened 29 years ago, but the 55-year-old said he doesn’t know if it will last until Christmas . He said: “The circumstances are very bad, we have lost a lot of earnings because Willenhall is so bad for congestion now. “Friday and Saturday, it used to be very busy in here, now, it is sometimes empty. “We’ve got Christmas coming and we don’t know how we’re going to survive.” Shah could not believe it when he arrived at his restaurant on day last week and the doorway was blocked by barriers. In an email seen by the LDRS, the council said the placement of the barriers was ‘an error’ and apologised for any inconvenience caused to Shah. He said: “My shop was blocked off on both sides, I couldn’t get into it. It’s crazy, I couldn’t get inside. “When the business is closed, I still have to pay a lot of bills. I think about the rent, rates, bills, how can we survive? “The leaders at Walsall Council should come down and see what’s happening here instead of sitting in their offices or at home. When you ring the council, nobody answers.” Ward member for Willenhall South, Councillor Simran Cheema, said: “Mr Ali couldn’t get access and neither could pedestrians because of the barriers. Walsall Council said the barriers were an accident but how does that help? “He has lost a whole day’s worth of trade because of that mistake. Now his business has been impacted even further. It’s just not good enough. “Before the roadworks started, his restaurant would be heaving over the weekend, but this weekend there were just two people. “People who do make bookings change their mind as soon as they see the roadworks.” Walsall Council has been approached for comment.
