Traders left 'suicidal' as roadworks impact hits their business

TRADERS have been left feeling “suicidal” due to the devastating impact Holmfirth’s regeneration is having on local shop owners.

- By ABIGAIL MARLOW

REGENERATION PROJECT SEES SHOPS FEELING THE STRAIN The roadworks taking place in Holmfirth

The town is the subject of the £10.3m Holmfirth Town Centre Access Plan (HTCAP) which is designed to reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions, improve journey times, encourage active travel and make the town more accessible.

The scheme makes up part of the village’s wider ‘Blueprint’ project, with work beginning last March.

But the levels of disruption are causing shop owners serious problems.

Several businesses, including Peak Footwear and Plants in the Holme, have closed in the last year, with disruption from roadworks playing a part in the decisions to shut up shop.

On Monday, Holmfirth traders spoke out against the “bombshell” news that Hollowgate will be closed to traffic and pedestrians from November 3-24, and to through traffic only from until November 3. The move is to allow drainage works to be carried out and a footbridge to be demolished.