SHOP owners on Chester Road in Hartford are taking a hit due to ongoing road works and say they are causing people to go and shop elsewhere.


The work is being carried out by Redrow Homes in relation to their housing development off Walnut Lane and is causing several problems in the community.


The work started along Chester Road close to the junction with Walnut Lane on Monday, October 20, and is due to be completed on Wednesday, November 26.


Jo Devenney, owner of Cheeky Little Soles, said: “As a shop owner in Hartford it is a very difficult time at the moment, with all of the Redrow works going on, all of the local shops are really suffering through the lack of parking due to continual road works.


“People are simply avoiding the village and going elsewhere. My business was heavily hit during the summer and then again at half term.


“They complete road works in school holidays but school holidays are my busiest time, they’re my ‘Christmas’ so to speak and if I do not trade in these weeks I have missed it.”


As well as shop owners being hit by the work, residents have also complained about the construction site traffic causing Walnut lane to be covered with mud, describing it as an ‘accident waiting to happen’.


Peter Jacks, who lives on Chester Road, said: “There isn’t any wash facilities on site to clean the mud from the tyres so the road is just turned into a sea of mud.


“It’s just really dangerous because it’s really difficult to drive on and there are plenty of pedestrians about.”


A spokesperson for Redrow Homes (NW) said: “We take our responsibilities as a considerate developer very seriously and want to be a good neighbour.


The concerns raised by residents are being looked into and we’ll take the required action to ensure we minimise any inconvenience.”