Traders at Preston Market have seen a noticeable decrease in footfall since the beginning of the work to improve Friargate South.
Preston City Council is currently undertaking delayed, but much-needed, works to improve Friargate South, Cheapside and Orchard Street with the hope of rejuvenating the side of the city centre that has become most-associated with derelict shops.
Cheapside is closed as a result of the works and a temporary road has been installed across the Flag Market. To access that road, and so reach Market Street and Earl Street, drivers have been diverted down Tithebarn Street and Lord Street.
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Those roads are normally reserved for buses only with strict enforcement managed by Lancashire County Council.
And while Lancashire County Council confirmed it has switched the cameras off while the work is ongoing, traders say that this was not effectively signposted which has caused confusion.
Sam Livesey, 38 and chair of the Market Traders Association, told Blog Preston: “The main thoroughfare to the market is closed and it’s proving quite problematic. They’ve said the cameras have been turned off but it’s not very well advertised.
“I did a comparison on football on Monday and Tuesday compared to the previous year and we’ve lost about 100 customers over those days – which is noticeable.
“I’m all for improvement to the city centre and I understand things have to be sacrificed at times and we have to make the best of it. But it’s got off on a really bad footing. They need to advertise these things better.
“We’ve got delivery drivers struggling to find a route in and Preston can be hard to navigate at the best of times. It’s not just the markets, there are lots of small businesses that need support.
“I just wish the council listen to us more than what they do.”
Blog Preston contacted Lancashire County Council on Tuesday (21 July) to check the enforcement cameras had been switched off. They confirmed this was the case and said they had asked Preston City Council to ensure this was properly signposted and enforcement signs covered.
While the diversion route was marked, the enforcement signs remain uncovered which traders believe is at least partially responsible for problem.
On Friday (24 July) Preston City Council responded to confirm the signs had been covered up. Clearer signage has also been installed.
A spokesperson for Preston City Council said: “To confirm, the bus lane camera on Tithebarn Street has been switched off, and the signs have now been covered up.
“Further to our request, the traffic management company have also placed extra barriers and clear signage for pedestrians on Harris Street.
“We are liaising with Preston Market traders to address concerns.
“A further update on the bus cameras and signage will be posted on the Council’s social media channels today.”
