BY TOBY ROBINSON

ANGRY traders on the fringe of Crewe Town Centre have lambasted the borough council for not caring about local businesses.

They feel construction work on the delayed Wistaston Road exit of a link route to West Street has hampered trade over the past two months and even brought public safety into question.

The link road was pivotal in Morrisons' successful planning application and should have been completed as the superstore opened its doors on October 31.

Over two months later roadworks on the junction between Wistaston Road and Edleston Road have infuriated shop owners.

"I'm surprised there hasn't been an accident," said Mr Rob Dawson, proprietor of The Golf Shop, situated on the corner of Edleston Road.

"The other day I was walking out of the shop with a customer and a dumper truck mounted the pavement and pulled up inches outside the door. A few moments earlier and we could have walked out in front of it.

"It's been a farce from the start - a right joke. The council haven't give any thought to local business.

"Knowing they were well behind schedule I don't know why they didn't postpone it for 14 days over Christmas with it being the busiest time of year.

Borough principal engineer Richard Warren revealed contactors Thyssens had been ordered to down tools before Christmas after a health and safety inspection.

"Health and safety did come in and they were removed and were asked to put certain operations right and make them safe before they could return.

"I have spoken to Mr Dawson of the Golf Shop and it seems some movements have been made that should not have happened.

Mr Warren insists the responsibility for the delays lies with Thyssens which are acting for Morrisons and Parkridge and not the council.

"At the end of the day it's down to Morrisons and Parkidge. It's our responsibility to make sure the site is safe and if it is not, they would be removed again. They keep giving us completion dates and not achieving them."

Mr Dawson feels he may have to take action over the situation.

"My stock has been covered in dust and takings are down 30 per cent compared to last year. We rely on the Christmas and New Year trade to make up for the quieter months," he said.

"I appreciate the work has to be done but it's looking like being three months overdue. I am considering taking legal action."

Mark Tyson, manager of nearby The Pine Factory also backed Mr Dawson's anger over the roadworks.

"There's just been no communication. I've tried to speak to the council but they just said they have to carry on with the work.

"It has hit trade in what should have been our busiest time of the year. I don't blame the workers, they have a job to do but why wasn't the work done at night-time when the town is less busy."

A now familiar sight at the Wistaston Road junction. Traders angered by junction work which has badly hit takings