Compensation call for traders over roadworks delay

A business leader is calling for financial compensation for traders affected by delays to a major city centre road scheme.

Work on a £355m redesign of Castle Street was due to be completed by April, but National Highways announced in December it was likely to finish by spring 2026.

Kathryn Shillito, the executive director of Hull Business Improvement District (Hull BID), said: "For businesses that are already struggling, it's another nail in the coffin."

National Highways said it was "working hard to reduce the impact of the scheme on businesses".

Ms Shillito warned the delays would leave some businesses financially worse off and called for financial support from National Highways.

There was an awareness of "the long-term benefits" of the A63 Castle Street scheme, but the year-long delay was creating "more hardship for businesses".

"It's very difficult, very challenging times and we really need that help," she added.

A director of Seasider Seafoods, which is based in English Street adjacent to the works, said the family-run business had suffered "a significant decline in sales over the last few years".

Michael Ledger described the prospect of further disruption as very worrying.

"I don't feel like I've had any significant conversations with anybody who can give me an answer to what support there is," he said. "We get passed from pillar to post.

"We're told work is in progress and we'll feel the benefits in the long run, but can we survive that long?"

Last December, the Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce called for a £1m fund to help local businesses survive.

Mike Ross, the leader of Hull City Council, said he had written a letter to the transport secretary in December asking for "direct intervention" to speed up the project and assist businesses.

"Given the importance of this scheme to the city, given the scale of this project, I felt it was important that the Transport Secretary heard directly from us around this and I wrote to her as soon as the news broke," he said.

"Sadly, several weeks on, I'm still yet to get a response."

Fran Oliver, a senior project manager at National Highways, described the road scheme as a "complex" one that would "bring benefits" for all in the city.

"We have engaged with local businesses and stakeholders throughout the A63 Castle Street scheme and continue to do so," she said.

Measures had been taken to minimise impact, including "two lanes of traffic running in each direction".

"We have also limited weekend closures and used night-time closures as much as possible. Where we've been able to do so, we've delayed the start time of these closures to support the night-time economy," she added.

"We've also used signage to let people know traders remain open as usual."

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