Sheaf Valley Cycle Route blamed as Arnold Laver timber depot closes in Sheffield

The Arnold Laver depot on Little London Road shut down on Monday, December 12 with the loss of nine jobs.

Workers said they were told about possible closure in a meeting with bosses the week before. One said the lease was up early next year but was not being renewed because the shop was not making money. Workers blamed the economic climate and the new cycle route on Little London Road.

There was initial confusion when the company denied the shop had closed. The firm tweeted on Wednesday, December 7 that the branch was 'still very much open'. But signs have appeared on the gates and a staff member, who asked not to be named, said they were clearing the premises out. Four people had been made redundant, they said.

They added: “It all happened very quickly. We were told in a meeting about possible closure on the Thursday and the last trading day was on the Monday. I think it's due to three things, the road closure, the economic climate and the lease coming up for renewal. We have seen a decline in business since the new route started. It just became more difficult for people to get here via Broadfield Road.”

An Arnold Laver spokesman said 'preliminary talks' about possible closure were held on Monday, December 5.

He added: “These discussions are ongoing at this time and therefore we are unable to comment any further on this matter. It is important for all the stakeholders involved that we follow the due process in circumstances such as these.”

The Sheaf Valley Cycle Route was installed in summer and made Little London Road a dead end to vehicles. It cut traffic passing the Arnold Laver shop and increased congestion on Abbeydale and Chesterfield roads, further deterring visitors, workers say.

It was installed to create a safe journey for cyclists from the south west of the city. Initially, signs were vandalised and metal posts cut down amid protests, before concrete blocks were installed to block vehicles.

Last month, cyclists petitioned Sheffield Council to extend it past Millhouses park to Dore and Totley railway station, saying the number of users had increased rapidly.