Sheffield City Council reveals steps to help businesses hit by bike lane works
“We welcome Atkinsons' acknowledgement that council officers have listened to their concerns and worked constructively to improve the situation”
Sheffield City Council has outlined how it aims to minimise the impact of bike lane works on business.
The authority issued a statement after Atkinsons bosses complained construction on Charter Row was damaging business.
Coun Alexi Dimond, chair of the transport, regeneration and climate committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “We recognise that the current highway works and changes to traffic arrangements are causing disruption for some businesses, including Atkinsons, and we are continuing to work closely with them to minimise the impact wherever possible.
“We welcome Atkinsons' acknowledgement that council officers have listened to their concerns and worked constructively to improve the situation. We have been engaging directly with Atkinsons and other businesses in the area, have introduced measures to support access and deliveries, and are taking steps to speed up the delivery of these works.
“We remain committed to supporting city centre businesses while these improvements are carried out.”
Council officers met with Atkinsons at the end of June to discuss the works and potential impacts on access to the store and car park, and times were agreed for works affecting car park access, he added.
Atkinsons also raised concerns about deliveries being affected by the bus gate. In response, the council allowed delivery vehicles to turn right from Moore Street into Fitzwilliam Gate, and shared the information with businesses in that section of The Moor.
A council spokesperson said the authority had undertaken wider stakeholder engagement with organisations fronting The Moor, including The Moor Market.
And a diagram has been produced showing alternative routes to Charter Row and Moore Street that avoid the bus gate on Furnival Gate.
Meanwhile, highway signs had been installed informing motorists that the Atkinsons car park remains open, with further signage due to be added across the network.
The council is also considering traffic-management changes on the approach to the Moore Street roundabout to improve traffic flow along Charter Row.
The spokesperson added: “The Council remains committed to supporting Atkinsons and reducing the impact of the works.”
Progress can be affected by external factors, they added.