Business owners in Wellington are expressing deep concerns as a major road leading to the M5 is set to close for 14 weeks due to refurbishment works. The closure, which will affect Junction 26 and the A38 Chelston link road, is scheduled to begin on 16 June and will last until September, raising fears about the impact on local businesses.
Key takeaways
- Junction 26 and A38 Chelston link road will close for 14 weeks from 16 June.
- Business owners fear loss of customers and access to the motorway.
- Public drop-in sessions will be held to provide information about the works.
Impact on local businesses
The closure has left many business owners feeling "petrified" about the potential loss of customers and revenue. Seb Toon, who runs TLC Garage Services, highlighted the critical need for 24-hour access to the motorway for his breakdown recovery service. He stated, "I am petrified; we need access to the motorway 24 hours a day for our business to run."
Emma Slocombe, owner of Apple Campers, echoed these sentiments, noting that the daily traffic to her business is substantial. She expressed concern for her older customers, who may be apprehensive about the upcoming changes. "Everything is going to be closed, which is the scary bit," she said.
Reasons for the closure
The refurbishment of Junction 26 and the A38 link road is being carried out by Somerset Council’s contractor, Heidelberg Materials. The project aims to address the deteriorating condition of the road, which has been in use since 1974. According to Councillor Richard Wilkins, the lead member for transport and waste services, this closure is necessary to avoid ongoing piecemeal repairs that would lead to sporadic disruptions.
Community engagement
To address concerns and provide clarity, Somerset Council will hold two public drop-in sessions in May. These sessions will allow residents and business owners to meet with the project team and learn more about the planned works. This initiative aims to ensure that the community is informed and can voice their concerns regarding the impact of the road closure.
Conclusion
As the closure date approaches, Wellington’s business community remains anxious about the potential fallout from the roadworks. With many relying on the traffic flow to sustain their operations, the next few months will be critical for local businesses. The council’s commitment to improving the road infrastructure is essential, but the immediate effects on the community will need careful management to mitigate disruption and support local enterprises during this challenging period.
