Independent Surrey businesses lose out on £7,000 due to emergency works

Emergency repairs at the end of Hersham Road have been making a “constant traffic jam” down the mini high street and forcing many drivers to avoid the route.

But local businesses on Hersham Halfway said the works have driven their customers away, pushing them to close early, reduce hours and lose fresh food.

Works started at the end of November to tackle an ‘essential and immediate repair’ of electrical faults related to High Voltage supply cables by UK Power Network (UKPN).

Four-way traffic lights diverting drivers around the works meant people were stuck in traffic or unable to park near the shops. People started avoiding Hersham Road, posting on social media to steer clear of the area, due to the stand-still traffic which caused businesses to lose out on customers further.

“It was always a busy and thriving parade,” said Martin, who has been running CIT Camping shop since 1974. He said some days he only gets one customer. Owner of La Terraza tapas restaurant, Luis said: “It’s like Covid times, except with cars.” Used to doing 30-50 covers a day, Luis explained the restaurant is making only around 15-20.

Chloe Teague, who runs ‘Radiance Beauty and Tanning’, said she has lost £7,000 in revenue since the work started. Other businesses agreed a similar number if not more. Linda Bell, who owns Crumbs Sandwich Bar, said she has had to throw out fresh goods after a drop in footfall.

During the ongoing disruption, owners are still paying their utility bills, food suppliers and staff wages. “I’ve gone into every single shop and everyone is at a loss,” Chloe said. “Apart from the pharmacy- but they said people have asked for their prescriptions to be sent elsewhere.”

Owners said they have had to send staff home early or considered letting them go. Linda said one of her staff has been with her for nine years, and the newest member has been with her for three. Those working in hospitality explained it’s hard to find people with the ‘right attitude’ to work.

Not only have traders lost revenue, they also fear they have lost clients. “If you always go to the same fish and chip shop, and then you get put off going because the traffic is so bad, you find another one,” Luis said.

What started out as four weeks of repairs, turned into ongoing emergency work, which the traders claim they were not notified of.

They say roads were closed without contacting Hersham Road businesses, causing issues with deliveries and customers missing their bookings. The date of completion kept moving from December, to January 29 and then March 15.

A UKPN spokesperson said: “This was a complex repair, which took considerable time as we needed to excavate a 1.7-kilometre trench and join a new section of cable to our electricity distribution network.

“We are currently completing the work and will return the road to normal as quickly as is safely as possible.”

Hersham Road traders have complained they have had “no communication” and “no apology” for the impact the works have had on their business. Surrey County Council (SCC) and UKPN have all “passed the buck” and said “it’s not their problem”, according to the businesses.

The busiest time of the year, December saw continued traffic disruption and dropping footfall causing local traders struggling to get by. Chloe said she was £4,000 down from the previous Christmas. Jenny and Linda said they had not had wages since Christmas; Luis agreed, adding: “What are wages?”

Traders are now faced with the prospect of building at least five months’ of revenue back up. The independent businesses said they want compensation for the impact of the road diversions.

Emergency works, like electricity, can start immediately to make the situation safe. UKPN can then retrospectively notify SCC or Elmbridge Council. Once on-site, UKPN is responsible for providing information about the work.

A SCC spokesperson said: “Whilst we have no say when utility companies carry out their works, we always do our utmost to minimise impact by working with them to agree the duration of works and limit the disruption caused.

“Sometimes disruption is unavoidable, particularly if the road needs to be closed, and we appreciate that in these circumstances there will be some inconvenience for our residents and businesses.”

Appealing for amending legislation, Surrey officers and councillors want the Department for Transport to recognise that not all ‘immediate’ activities are dealt with as soon as a problem is identified by utility companies. If works are discussed in advance, SCC can plan and coordinate roads better.

UKPN said it is not liable for losses, as with other electricity distribution companies. However, UKPN said it can provide a letter to insurance companies and urged customers to contact them.

A UKPN spokesperson said: “We would like to apologise to the customers affected, and we hope they understand the improvement it will bring to the security of power supplies for the area.”