Bike Park Owner Describes ‘Horrific’ Impact of Roadworks

The proprietor of a bike park has stated that roadworks have had a “horrific” effect on their enterprise. FlyUp 417 bike park, situated in Witcombe, Gloucestershire, is scheduled for another five-month closure as National Highways conducts work for the A417 Missing Link project. This initiative involves constructing a new dual carriageway to replace an accident hotspot located near the Air Balloon Roundabout. A National Highways spokesperson indicated that the organization has made “extensive” efforts to reduce the disturbance to the bike park. Angela and Simon Ruskin manage the leisure facility and reside on the premises. In June, the couple was required to close the park for six weeks to facilitate National Highways’ work. Ms Ruskin described the necessity of another closure as “a shock” and “unsettling.” She articulated the park’s significance, stating, “There are kids that rely on this for their physical health and their mental health. Adults too. It is devastating for people, but they are right behind us. They love this place and they want it to continue.” Ms Ruskin further noted that their customers are “the best” and have maintained their support throughout the periods of closure. The £460 million road scheme, connecting Gloucester, Cirencester, and Swindon, is anticipated to alleviate traffic congestion at the single-carriageway bottleneck section beyond Birdlip. In addition to the three-mile (4.8km) dual carriageway between Gloucester and Cirencester, several “green bridges” are planned for construction to enhance local wildlife. Construction on the scheme commenced in March. Steve Foxley, Project Director for the A417 Missing Link, issued a statement: “We appreciate that any works, particularly on such a major project, can cause disruption for nearby businesses and do all we can to minimise that disturbance as much as possible whilst working in accordance with the Development Consent Order. We have worked extensively through this year to minimise as far as practically possible the impacts on FlyUp arising from the delivery of this vital scheme. To deliver the Development Consent Order works safely in the vicinity of their business has necessitated a further temporary closure over the winter period. We remain committed to working with them and all our stakeholders and neighbours”. The new road is projected to be finished and operational by 2027. For further updates, BBC Gloucestershire can be followed on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story submissions are accepted via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content of external sites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.