“Nothing would stop me from getting into Atkinsons": Readers have say on alleged impact of bike lane works
“Nothing would stop me from getting into Atkinson's, especially the restaurant”
Readers have had their say on bike lane works which have affected trade at Sheffield’s last department store.
Atkinsons boss Nicholas Atkinson said they - and “businesses across the area” - had lost trade after barriers went up outside the rear doors on Charter Row.
A bicycle route is under construction on Charter Row and Moore Street as part of the Connecting Sheffield scheme which the city council says will create a “more attractive, cleaner, greener and more inclusive city centre.”
It will connect to bike tracks in the city centre and out to Nether Edge.
Glynis Foster, writing on The Star’s Facebook page, said: “These bicycle lanes have caused major disruption and damaged businesses throughout the city. I hope they are well used after all this.”
Paul Sharp: “What is Sheffield City Council's strange obsession with cycle lanes? They're killing the city.”
Diehard fan Margaret Jones added: “Nothing would stop me from getting into Atkinsons, especially the restaurant.”
Nel Bujk chose humour to express his view.
“I just hope Atkinsons has a cycle department, just think of all the money they will make from hundreds of cyclists stopping off.”
Clare Garth said the works had caused congestion.
“I was stuck on a bus earlier at the back of Atkinsons for over 40 mins not moving - just for cycle lanes that won’t get used.
“These roadworks are in place until next summer at least. If only the people in the council had brains.”
Martin Scriven said cars were the way to prosperity.
“I wonder how many people on this council are, or have been, business owners and realise how economics in the real world work?
“Having a lovely looking city centre needs to go hand-in-hand with making access for potential customers including vehicles as easy as possible.
“Three hours free parking would be a great start and bring in people from Meadowhall, St James Retail Park, etc.”
Sheffield City Council previously acknowledged the works had caused congestion on Charter Row, Moore Street and Eyre Street.
And it had changed construction arrangements on Charter Row, traffic light timings and traffic movements at the Moore Street roundabout to improve traffic flow.
It was also installing more ‘car park open’ signs on the Atkinsons’ car park and reduce the work area in the run-up to Christmas.
It added: “Atkinsons remains fully open while we work – as do all the businesses in the city centre.”