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Traders' fight over business
From the Bolton Evening News, first published Friday 8th Jul 2005.
Business owners in Euxton have started a fight for compensation after claiming their trade has been decimated since the closure of a major road nearly a month ago.
Disruption on Wigan Road began when the A49 was closed to through traffic at the Pack Saddle Bridge due to railway works.
The work is due to end on September 1 and has affected access to businesses between the Bay Horse pub and the bridge.
Traders have banded together to seek compensation from Railtrack, which is carrying out the work, after the rail management firm refused to take responsibility for the lack of trade.
Licensee Carol Hulme, who runs the Railway Tavern pub with husband Brian and daughter Cathy, said: "This has virtually destroyed us. We are effectively cut off as there is no passing traffic and no access at all from the Leyland side of the bridge.
"We have had to close our kitchen apart from on Sundays because of the decline in custom and have had to lay off seven part-time staff because there is simply not enough work for them.
"Railtrack has denied all responsibility but this is a direct result of the work it is carrying out."
Chris Jackson, of Motorhouse Cars, said: "Before the bridge was closed we were averaging around 20 sales a month. In three weeks I've just sold one vehicle."
At Felton's service station, proprietor Bill Felton said he has suffered a 50 per cent fall in turnover.
The traders held a meeting on Monday with legal and financial advisers to plan their strategy after the Hulmes received a letter from Railtrack refusing to hear claims for compensation.
A spokesperson for Railtrack said: "It is very much regretted that residents and businesses have been inconvenienced. However on the advice of our legal department we must advise that we do not consider any claims for loss of business during essential railway works."
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