SINKING IN THE TRAFFIC DESERT

Diversions, loss of parking and delays have resulted in takings dropping by half. Jenny Patterson, owner of the Snack Attack cafe in Baker Street, said her trade had fallen away "as if someone had turned off a tap". She added: "The roads have absolutely ruined the custom around here. On Saturdays I usually have four staff in. Now I only have two and I'm taking half my usual money. "There is not one of us who hasn't been hit." Mrs Patterson was supported by jeweller David Alan, who said he had never known such bad times in 20 years. He said: "I have telephoned customers to tell them their repairs are done and ready for collection and they tell me to hold on to the items because they are not prepared to brave the traffic down here. "Last week I opened for six days, and still lost £300. We pay £3,000 rates for these premises. Something needs to be done. We cannot go on like this." Leon Weekes, who works at greengrocers CH Mears in the London Road market, a member of the Open Market Traders Association, said: "There is absolutely nowhere to park and the traffic just puts people off coming here." The Open Market has been at its present site since 1960. Green councillor Pete West said: "It is just what I predicted. People cannot get to the shops. "London Road and the streets running into Ditchling Road have become part of a big traffic island. "There is confusion about how to get there and how to reach the car parks." Coun West suggested that the council should produce a map of the scheme showing people how to get to the shops. The council says problems should diminish once people got used to the new scheme. Project manager Bo Furdas said that there was congestion in the morning peak because of gas main work in Viaduct Road. It had been postponed as congestion would have been far worse in a two-way street. Mr Furdas said: "I am meeting some traders today to get feedback."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.