'We fear for our future but council just told us to take a holiday'

HOLMFIRTH BUSINESSES SAY ROAD CLOSURE WILL HIT THEM HARD

- By ANDREW ROBINSON

INDEPENDENT traders in Holmfirth have hit out at “bombshell” news that they say will hit them hard in the pocket.

Businesses on Hollowgate have been told that the road will be closed to traffic and pedestrians from November 3 until November 24 during works on drainage and demolition of a footbridge in Holmfirth.

Traders have been told that “marshalls” will be on hand to help people get to and from their businesses during the Hollowgate closure.

Peter Illingsworth, who runs The Lords Chamber Barbers on Hollowgate, said business owners were feeling frustrated and angry, and claimed the news was broken with little notice. “Everybody is annoyed,” he said.

“They said they understand our frustration. It is so patronising because they don’t. We are self employed with no sick pay and no holiday pay’

He said three businesses had closed in the last year, including Peak Footwear and Plants in the Holme. Roadworks disruption had played a part in those businesses calling it a day.

Joanne Storrs, who runs Hideout Emporium cafe and bar on Hollowgate, said the last year had been “shocking” for businesses in Holmfirth including her own, due to ongoing roadworks.

She had been opening the premises six days a week but has now cut it down to just Friday, Saturday and Sunday as she battles falling footfall which she blames on ongoing roadworks and the dust and dirt thrown up by wagons and workers.

“There has been muck everywhere. We have to keep our door shut. We have lost a lot of business.”

She had spoken about the problems to deputy council leader Moses Crook (Labour, Holme Valley South) who she claimed had advised her to “take a holiday” during the road closure.