Traders in Hamlet Court Road, Westcliff, fear they are heading for disaster after it was revealed the road could be closed for months because of bridge strengthening work.
The 150-year-old railway bridge between Hamlet Court Road and Station Road is not strong enough according to modern requirements and Southend Council will have to carry out work.
Angry - florist Emma Bygrave fears for shop's trade if the road is shut Picture: MAXINE CLARKE
Brian Kelly, cabinet member in charge of transport, said: "We have the money available to do the work, which is likely to cost in the region of £1.9million and which has to be done.
"There has been no decision made on how it will be carried out and whether it will be possible to have one-way traffic across the bridge while the work is being carried out."
But stores have already been hit hard while their frontages have been dug up for major improvements designed to perk up the shopping area.
Hayley Goss, who manages the florists, Margaret Raymond, estimated she had lost half her trade during the current work.
She said: "We're losing all this parking while this is going on. We're told that things will be an improvement, but are we going to last that long? If they close the end of Hamlet Court Road to do the bridge, who knows what will happen."
Published Monday January 19, 2004
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article