Businesses Express Distress Over Council Works Impeding Customer Access

Commercial establishments’ proprietors have expressed feeling “devastated” due to municipal construction activities impeding customer access. Specifically, Quay Corner coffee shop, located in Stockton, Teesside, has experienced a reduction in its average Saturday customer count from 30 per day to just two, following the closure of a segment of the Riverside Walk footpath last month. The local council is currently developing a multimillion-pound urban park, named Stockton Waterfront, with an anticipated completion date in 2026. Stockton Council stated that it is holding regular meetings with businesses situated on Quayside Road to address potential impacts of each construction phase and to offer assistance. Joanne Horner, a managing director at Quay Corner, conveyed that the circumstances have left her feeling “devastated, concerned and worried.” The closure of a footpath segment, situated between the Millennium and Riverside Road footbridges, occurred at the beginning of October. Mrs. Horner noted that her establishment had previously attracted numerous walking groups, but a prolonged diversion route has now isolated them. Paul Marriner, another managing director of the coffee shop, expressed his anger regarding the situation. He stated, “Me and Joanne have put a lot of money and effort into this.” While a diversion directs individuals to the opposite bank of the River Tees, Mr. Marriner indicated that this not only impacts regular patrons but also hinders disabled, elderly, and prospective customers from accessing their premises. He added, “We did a video [explaining the situation] but it’s so complicated – the way they’ve got to walk – and there’s just no other access to the coffee shop unless they walk another 20 minutes.” He also mentioned that neighboring businesses, such as a gym, a hairdressers and a boat tour agency, have experienced similar adverse effects. The proprietors affirmed their full support for the urban park’s development but emphasized the immediate need for financial assistance. Mr. Marriner expressed that he would welcome council support for affected businesses by covering their rent for at least one year. He warned, “If it comes down to it, we might have to reduce staffing hours, or close the coffee shop a couple of days a week.” He further stated, “Our Saturday trade has been affected and we have had to close due to drastic lack of footfall.” Councillor Nigel Cooke commented that the authority is engaging with and assisting businesses, but acknowledged that “inevitable disruption” would arise from the “nationally significant development.” He added, “The long-term benefit to businesses with increased footfall and enhanced opportunities in this area is set to be transformational.”