Stoke-on-Trent City Council has spoken out to defend its engagement with businesses affected by ongoing roadworks outside the city’s main railway station.
The Potters’ Club, in Stoke, announced its immediate closure on Friday, blaming market conditions and the roadworks on Station Road outside where it was based.
The organisation described the roadworks as putting ‘the final nail in our coffin’, saying they caused visitor numbers to ‘drop dramatically’.
Work in the area has been ongoing for several months with some road closures and changes to parking arrangements, bus stops and taxi ranks.
It is being carried out as part of the £29 million Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) programme which aims to enhance the connection between the station and the city centre and improve the environment in and around the station.
A spokesperson for Stoke-on-Trent City Council said: “Our contractors, Galliford Try have maintained regular contact with all local businesses including The Potters’ Club before the start and, regularly, during the construction activities on site.
“Prior to work starting, multiple engagement meetings were held with members of The Potters’ Club, stakeholders, and members of the public, where a detailed overview of the traffic management set-up and how this may impact journeys was discussed.
“In addition to this, a Stoke TCF website was created to provide up to date information relating to the scheme.
“Access to businesses has been maintained throughout the works and clear signage has been provided at every stage of the improvements.
“The phases of work were planned to maintain access to all businesses along Station Road to minimise disruption and any concerns or requests have been immediately actioned.”
The Potters’ Club, which was established in 1951 by the British Pottery Manufacturers’ Federation to provide facilities for the directors of local pottery companies to entertain their guests, has said a move to an alternative venue has not been ruled out.
Read the Daily Focus story about the closure here.
I think the amount of work involved in making these “improvements” is taking far too long. They could have been done in a fraction of the time. Visit Germany and China and see how fast they get things done. I sincerely hope the works actually make a difference. All it looks like is a bit of pedestrianization.