A disgruntled shop owner is claiming a road closure in Chelmsford will be "the kiss of death" for his business.

Work on Chelmsford's new bus station means from October 24, most traffic will be banned from the section of Duke Street from Victoria Road South to Wells Street.

And David Doveton, the owner of Kall-kwik, a printing and design business in Duke Street, is not satisfied he and other businessmen in the area have been consulted on the changes that are to be made.

He said: "It was previously agreed that the idea to close the road would be dropped but it has been totally disregarded. It means cars cannot pass by the shop front and we are situated there so we get exposure. The cut in traffic will make my business less viable.

"People come to us by car and this proposal means we are being given the kiss of death."

Rodney Bass, cabinet member for Essex County Council highways and transportation, said: "The issue has been widely discussed publicly and the county council has liaised with Chelmsford Borough Council.

"No discourtesy was intended. Representations could have been made to the borough council and the county council."

Published Tuesday, October 5, 2004

Brought to you by the Evening Gazette