Businesses speak on Rawtenstall road works

Rawtenstall is undergoing some major changes including phased town centre roadworks aiming to improve traffic flow.

The town’s Chamber of Commerce recently called for better information around the work, accusing Lancashire County Council of poor communications so far, as the second phase began this month on St Mary’s Way.

The chamber also called for timely reviews of temporary traffic lights and other aspects, to minimise any traffic delays and disruption to businesses. And for clarity on whether local firms are, or will, get relief on business rates because of disruption?

Rawtenstall retailers spoke to the Local Democracy Reporting Service about the activity including the timing of phases and whether travel is, in reality, better than may be perceived?

‘LONG JOURNEYS’

Dream Doors is a kitchen interiors shop on Bank Street near the Asda supermarket. Working inside were Katharine Wheatman and Hilary Davies.

Katharine said: “I live in Crawshawbooth and it was taking me a very long time to get to Rawtenstall before Christmas. There was the first phase of roadworks at the northern end of St Mary’s Way but, separately, repairs to a riverside retaining wall near Burnley Road.  It took me over an hour to travel between Crawshawbooth and Rawtenstall.  However, the retaining wall work is now done.  And with the current phase under-way nearby, we’ve been supporting the men working outside with cups of tea.”

Asked about communications, Hilary said: “I think we were all aware the road work was going to happen. There have been signs and I think we had a letter from the council. The project seems like short-term pain for long-term gain. But it has effected us and staff getting to work. It has made some activity tricky, such as finding parking space and access for delivery vehicles. Some vans have just stopped on the road to make deliveries to shops.

“Also, our customers are generally a bit older . If they think they’re going to have to battle through traffic or face parking problems in Rawtenstall then some just won’t come. But young people are not put off.”

Hilary said the location of the shop is based is not subject to business rates because it is seen as a ‘deprived’ or less developed area. However, she said: “Rossendale has some very nice areas. And up-and-coming places have more people coming to them, which impacts on infrastructure like roads. So the infrastructure is being upgraded.

But she added: “Some decisions around the work seem a bit strange to me. Doing the first phase in the months before Christmas was not ideal. Christmas can be a challenging time for interiors shops because the public is focused on buying presents. But it’s still an important period Also, do gas and electricity pipes need to go on alternative routes? Perhaps some discussion is needed about that?

“However, the work is happening and we’re not going to stop it. We will focus on the things we can control. It remains to be seen if it will help the traffic flow and improve the town centre. Hopefully it’ll work. If it doesn’t, I might feel a bit differently. ”

‘WE NEED MORE PARKING SPACES’

Bank Street is an attractive, curved Victorian street with a number of independent shops and cafes. Among them is Scentish, selling bath products and cosmetics. Founded by Rossendale’s Nicola McLoughlin and Sean Kierans, today Scentish has the Bank Street shop and a factory at Cloughfold.

Working inside was Gemma France, who said Scentish has just opened a new shop in York. She has worked at the Rawtenstall shop for almost four years.

Asked about the town centre, she said: “One challenge is there’s not enough car parking in Rawtenstall. Some spaces have been taken-up with roadworks vehicles, machinery or pipes. And some are filled by people who commute into Manchester.

“Overall,  there’s ever been enough parking space . Some people park on double yellow lines, which can create chaos. And some don’t want to come into town currently because of the work.  For the future, I’d encourage councils to make Bank Street more-accessible without the need for people to drive around looking for parking.”

‘HEAR-SAY CAN PUT PEOPLE OFF’

Sophie’s Boutique, a women’s wear shop, is run by Sophie Nash. The 29-year-old is a former Haslingden High School pupil who has had the shop for almost six years. Sophie previously worked in a Haslingden boutique, Ruby and Daisy. Born in Cambridge, she moved to Rossendale with her parents aged 11. Her mum, Helen Carter, is from Rossendale and works in a local doctor’s surgery.

Sophie is also a member of Rawtenstall Chamber of Commerce. She said: “I do think the road work is a good thing because traffic flow in Rawtenstall is an issue. But we won’t know if it’s a success until it is complete.

“The chamber of commerce has talked with council representatives at different points. One concern was the first phase of work leading up to Christmas. Timing may have been linked to deadlines but it impacted on retailers.  The Christmas season is really important. It helps us through the quieter times  Perhaps the first phase could have been held-back a couple of months until January?

“Communication has been a problem too. Rossendale Council has done some communication, to be fair. And the chamber has a good rapport with Rossendale Council. But speaking to Lancashire County Council is like talking to a brick wall. I think Rossendale will be having more talks with the county.

“To be fair, I don’t think the current roadworks have caused masses of traffic delays. But it puts doubt into some people’s minds about visiting. We generally suffer from a shortage of parking but I think recent hear-say and negative talk about the roads has put people off – rather than the reality.”

‘EVENTS GIVE A BOOST’

Sophie added: “Rawtenstall Market traders are moving temporarily to the Town Square soon, near the new bus station. That’ll be a really good space. A Christmas event was  planned there, including the band East 17, but cancelled because of bad weather. However, events can really boost Rawtenstall. The town can be packed for events. We also hold our own events in the shop.”

Regarding business rates, Sophie said: “I do pay rates for this shop but I’m getting relief at the moment. However, it might go up in March? I think I get 75 per cent relief now but it might go to 40 per cent. That would leave me with quite a lot to pay. My normal business rates are £600 or £700 a month. But there have been breaks and changes for shops and cafes since the covid pandemic. ”

She emphasised: “Little towns have their ups-and-downs. Haslingden has seen dchanges too. But it’s new market place looks amazing and I think Haslingden is coming back. There’s new interest in shops there.

“I don’t like to be negative. Businesses must be positive and engage. But we should be truthful too. We can also be pro-active, using social medial to encourage trade and clarify the reality. Rawtenstall is a great town with great businesses and good customers. Hopefully the changes will be a success.”