Shropshire Star

Road closure hits Oswestry town centre trade

Shop workers today spoke of the cost to their businesses after a main road through Oswestry town centre was closed after guttering fell from shop buildings.

Published
Cross Street in Oswestry closed while guttering damaged in the snow is made safe

Scaffolding was put up along Cross Street and a covered was walkway erected so people could walk to the shops safely.

The road was closed on Monday by Shropshire Fire and Rescue after guttering fell from the Coral Bookmakers and Red Cross shop as a result of recent heavy snowfall. Workers used a cherry-picker yesterday to fix the problem and shops, which had had to close the day before, were able to reopen.

It is hoped the road could reopen fully to traffic later today. Janet Feaks, deputy manager at Coral Bookmakers, said: "We had to close on Tuesday for health and safety of the public but we were allowed to open again at midday. We don't want it to affect us this weekend as it is the Grand National."

Sue Harman, manager of Chrissie's, a leather goods shop, said barriers were put up last week because of falling icicles.

She said: "We were advised to close the shop on Tuesday. We want to thank the council for helping so quickly.

Red Cross retail field manager Catherine Craig said Tuesday's closure affected the collection for the Shop Drop for Syria appeal, but the shop was open yesterday.

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