The £13.4 million project was supported by 73 per cent of people during consultation, however some now say they have become frustrated with delays and overrunning works, one trader claiming that Christmas is"basically ruined"...A business owner in a suburban part of Manchester has spoken out about being left frustrated by an overrunning active travel project, which will see a new £13.4 million cycleway laid, claiming that"Christmas is ruined".
"This should be our busiest time of year but it's just been dead. If you're going to dig up a road, you should have the manpower to do it within the time frame you said. They have taken away dozens of car parking spaces and not given us an alternative when there's the same amount of, if not more, drivers on the road. There have been times when we haven't been able to get deliveries because our wagons can't get down the road or park here.
The council has urged locals to consider the benefits the completed scheme will bring, saying it will be a"hugely transformative project" for the area. It also said it had"engaged with residents and businesses to explain the works timeline, as well as address concerns or questions". "This is directly linked to a new policy set out by the council at the beginning of the year, which put bold strategies in place looking at how we could accelerate the city's transition to more environmentally friendly modes of transport. Of course, we sympathise with anyone experiencing disruption due to this work but as with any major infrastructure project there may be delays or issues that arise during its course.
"If it can empower people to use their bikes more than that can only be great for everybody," she said."I can totally relate to the pain being felt right now, it's taken much longer than we've all expected it to take but that doesn't take away from the gain that the whole community can have from this scheme.
"It was recognised that something needed to change on that. Traders will be concerned but, at the same time, having the cycle lane should be seen as a bonus to the district. At the moment, it's all pain with no gain but we're hoping the benefits will be seen soon enough," the association said.