Don't forget about us!

That's the plea from traders as part of Romsey town centre faces up to 14 weeks road works.

Shopkeepers are today fearing for their livelihoods while major work is carried out to make Romsey's Church Street more pedestrian-friendly. 

They are worried shoppers will abandon Church Street for the next 14 weeks while it is given a makeover which includes the installation of a shared surface for vehicles and pedestrians.

The £500,000 Hampshire County Council scheme is due to start on Monday.

Many traders have expressed their concerns about the future of their businesses.

Deputy manager of Oasis Christian Centre Heather Wilman said: "We are very concerned from a retail point of view because of the lack of access for deliveries and we are very worried it will put people off coming to Church Street. 

"Fourteen weeks is a long time for the road to be closed. 

"We could be badly hit by this. Businesses are already struggling, it's not great in the retail trade at the moment."

The work is aimed at encouraging more pedestrians into the Church Street and deter its use as a short cut between the Market Place and Greatbridge on the northern edge of the town.

It is the first phase of a multi-million pound scheme to enhance three town centre streets - Church Street, Market Place and Bell Street.

The work includes installing a buff-coloured shared surface for pedestrians and motorists, putting in pinch points at the junction with the Market Place and outside the borough council’s offices just north of the junction of Church Place.

Existing footways in Church Street will be widened and kerbing embedded into the road surface will separate vehicles from pedestrians. 
Yellowstone kerbing will be used in pedestrian areas and new street furniture will be installed including bollards.

This will be designed to match existing town centre street furniture. A barrier will be installed where the Abbey Walk shopping precinct meets Church Street to prevent children in particular from running straight out into the road. 

And that the start and finishes of the shared surface area a slope will be built into the road surface. The other two streets that will be given a new-look at a later date.

Contractors Colas say they will keep disruption to a minimum and will work with traders and residents to ensure that access is maintained to businesses and homes in Church Street.

Company spokesperson Linzi Stean said: "We are committed to working with local residents and businesses to mitigate any inconvenience or disruption. 

"Pedestrian access and access for deliveries and emergency services will be maintained at all times. It will all be worth it when the work is finished."