Chloe Smith calls for assistance to Vulcan Road South firms

Businesses in Vulcan Road South (North Norwich) are facing up to eight weeks of disruption as a major industrial estate is closed off for works to open a new KFC restaurant.  Chloe Smith MP is taking the case up with the City Council, KFC and BT, responsible for the works.

 

Stricken businesses have asked for radio assistance to get their SOS message out:  “Businesses open as usual;  We need support and custom”.

 

Chloe endorses their concerns and says:

 

“It is good to have new business with the jobs that will bring, but this situation is extremely difficult and unfair on local firms.  Firms are struggling already, only one week into the closure, and it is unacceptable that they were not consulted or informed of the works.  The council needs to be aware of the genuine economic concerns of the businesses, and do everything in their power to help.  BT and KFC need to explain what they are doing to help and compensate businesses in the course of the works.  Our message to the public is that business in the Vulcan Road estate are open as usual and need your support.” 

 

The closure of the road at the south end means:

• No passing trade


• Gridlock as traffic can only access businesses through the north entrance, backing onto residential roads.  One firm explains:  “We have had to send our engineer out on a cycle to get to customers’ addresses and carry out estimates.”


• Staff on hourly rates being late for work or facing higher childcare costs due to the extended journey.  One business owner says:  “I travelled in to my business during the rush hour, and it took longer to travel the distance from the North Walsham roundabout than it took to drive the 12 miles from Thurton.” 

 

Chloe is sending letters to BT and KFC asking for full, detailed explanations of the work.