Northgate Street traders reassure customers it’s business as usual despite Chester city centre gas works

Jan 12 2011 by Gary Porter, Chester Chronicle

TRADERS hit by engineering work to replace the 80-year-old city centre gas mains are reassuring customers it’s business as usual.

Shops and premises in Northgate Street, which has been closed since Monday but can still be accessed by pedestrians and cyclists, are remaining positive despite the disruption.

The work carried out by National Grid, who are spending £20m over five years to renew the city’s gas network, will last until Easter and includes Upper Northgate Street and Eastgate Street.

Delivery vehicles and buses are being diverted via St Martin’s Way, Princess Street and Hunter Street.

The bus station remains open but all parking on Northgate Street, including for disabled motorists, has been suspended.

Traders whose takings are directly affected by the disruption will be in line for compensation, which will be assessed on an individual basis.

Carole and Ann Faulkner, who run The Cheese Shop, are calling on customers to continue supporting them during the course of the works.

“The message we want to get across is we’re still trading,” explained Carole.

“The pavements are still OK and people don’t have to fight their way up. It’s got to be done and we have to be positive about it. It’s the best time to do it.

“There’s no point in us ranting. It’s not the workers fault, they’ve got a job to do. They’ve been popping in and are trying to be adaptable as far as they can.”

Ben Wright, manager of the Joseph Benjamin restaurant, said: “The guys doing it have been very considerate. They try and do the noisiest bits when we’re closed. They understand it’s a hard time for everyone.”

Pied Bull pub owner Carl Scourfield added: “It will hit us more when the work comes down this end. But on the whole they’ve been really good, they’ve liaised with everyone pretty well.”

Mark Thomas, who runs Francis Thomas fruit and vegetable shop, says the work has already had an impact on his business.

“Parking restrictions has made deliveries a bit difficult. It will take a couple of days to adapt,” he explained.

John Edwards of the North West Gas Alliance – a National Grid and Balfour Beatty partnership responsible for the renewal work – said: “This is a vital exercise in forward planning, designed to achieve both continued safety and a first class gas supply network for Chester over the next 80 years.”

Councillor Lynne Riley added: “Whilst it is impossible to carry out this sort of city centre work without some inconvenience, we will do everything possible to minimise disruption to everyone who could potentially be affected.”

For more information about the works contact National Grid’s customer services on 0161 703 1000 or 1010.