Dibden Purlieu: Unwelcome discovery delays end of roadworks

Shopkeepers at Beaulieu Road in Dibden Purlieu say their takings have plummeted since contractors started installing a new cycleway in the run-up to Christmas.

Now work on the government-funded scheme has been suspended following the discovery of underground utility apparatus no-one knew about.

The hold-up has angered shopkeepers, who have seen customers go elsewhere as a result of lane closures and the use of temporary traffic lights.

Work has been suspended following the discovery of underground utility equipment no-one knew about (Image: Malcolm Wade)

The lights have been removed following the suspension of work but are expected to return.

Speaking just before they were taken away, Ron Besant, who runs Tails 2 fish and chip shop, said: "It's horrendous. My weekly takings are down 25 per cent and I've had to cut staff hours.

"It's chaos out there. There are traffic lights everywhere and people are avoiding Dibden Purlieu like the plague.

READ MORE: Dibden Purlieu traders say roadworks are ruining their Christmas takings

"I just want honest answers to when the work is going to end and we can get back to normal trade because at the moment it’s not far off closing us down."

Other people have taken to social media to voice their anger and dismay at the continuing roadworks.

Traders are say lane closures and temporary traffic lights are resulting in the shoppers avoiding the area (Image: Newsquest)

One person said businesses were being "ruined" by the disruption caused by the project. Another claimed the new cycle route was something "no one wants or needs".

Hythe district councillor Alex Wade described the delay in the scheme's completion as "another kick in the teeth" for shops in the area.

He described the temporary removal of the lights as a brief respite but added: "I hope it encourages everyone to use all the parking spaces in the village, including the Oak Road car park, and the fantastic businesses.

"They have been seriously impacted through no fault of their own due to the poorly timed works."

A county council spokesperson added: "The cycle route scheme has been temporarily paused to address some technical issues that were identified once work had started.

"This includes the discovery of 'uncharted' underground utility apparatus which was not mapped.

"We expect to resolve these issues in the next few weeks, which will enable construction to continue. In the meantime, the temporary traffic lights have been removed to minimise any disruption to traffic."

But one trader said: "Yes, it will help but for how long? They will be coming back at a later date."