Trade drops at Atkinsons in Sheffield as bike lane works hit 'businesses across the area'
“We know that some of you may have been put off visiting us over the past few weeks, and for that, we are genuinely sorry.”
Sheffield’s most famous shop has apologised to customers put off by bike track building work and a new bus lane.
Atkinsons said it had lost trade after barriers went up outside its rear doors on Charter Row in August.
At the same time, a new bus gate on Furnival Gate was diverting traffic away.
The 154-year-old family-owned shop on The Moor is Sheffield’s last department store.
In an update, Nicholas Atkinson apologised to customers.
Writing on Facebook he said: “The disruption has affected everyone using this part of the city, and businesses across the area have felt the consequences.
“For Atkinsons, the impact on our car park and store has been particularly difficult, with trading suffering during what should have been some very busy weeks.”
He added: “We know that some of you may have been put off visiting us over the past few weeks, and for that, we are genuinely sorry.”
Mr Atkinson said he had met council officials but felt his concerns had not been fully addressed “and work began just days after.”
He added: “When the roadworks started, large sections of the road were taken up with barriers, bollards, fencing, and lots of signage.
“At times traffic was at a standstill with only four cars passing through the lights at a time, resulting in long queues and considerable delays.
“We did ask whether the work could be carried out one section at a time to minimise the disruption, but we were advised that this would put the project’s funding at risk.
“The disruption has affected everyone using this part of the city, and businesses across the area have felt the consequences.”
Bike lane building works are part of the Connecting Sheffield scheme to improve walking and wheeling across the city.
Sheffield City Council 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.”
The Connecting Sheffield works are intended to create a “more attractive, cleaner, greener and more inclusive city centre,” the authority says.
It said: “The long-term aim is to create a city centre that is easier to travel into and around. It will also give people more choice in how they travel, improve our public spaces, and create a better environment for everyone.
“We appreciate your continued patience and understanding as we deliver and embed these improvements.”