Business owners in South Norwood have said that continuous road and bridge closures are ruining their trade.

In recent months, road closures, diversions and traffic tailbacks have been a common sight and company owners have said it is wreaking havoc with their business.

Network Rail is currently repairing Tennison Road and Spring Lane. Work is also taking place in South Norwood Hill.

Tennison Bridge will be completed in 2015, closures have already caused disruption.

Bridge repairs in Spring Lane have started and the lane will be closed until June when it will be partially open again.

In recent years there has been a string of roadworks in the area by Thames Water and Southern Gas Network which some business owners have said caused chaos in the area.

Richard Hough, owner of Auto Clutch garage in Station Road, said he did not know how the area was going to survive.

He said: "South Norwood is being held to ransom by road and bridge works. "Actual road and bridge closures are expected to last till June of next year, how is South Norwood meant to survive?"

Sumir Patel, who started his business Emertons the Iron Monger in 2012 said the closures were affecting his business badly.

He said: "A lot of tradesmen don’t come down. There are hardly any customers. It’s just killing us I am trying hard to keep staff going. I am struggling to pay bills I am not going to lie it’s just killing us."

Councillor Wayne Lawlor has previously called for compensation packages to local businesses affected by the closures.

Croydon North MP Steve Reed said: "Traders and businesses in South Norwood are being hit hard by a string of major roadworks and bridge closures such as Spring Lane.

"Shoppers find it harder to get there and passing trade is dwindling as traffic is diverted elsewhere. The council must take a lead and coordinate urgent works better to minimise the disruption to businesses."

A council spokesman said: "We’re seeing a significant level of investment by Network Rail and Transport for London in their bridges and this will be to the long term benefit of everyone in the area, particularly with the removal of weight restrictions. 

"The council has been co-ordinating with the contractors to avoid too much overlap between the different projects so any short-term disruption is kept to a minimum.”


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