Business owners in Norton and Stowlangtoft, near Bury St Edmunds, lambast Suffolk Highways’ provisional extension to A1088 Bridge Farm Bridge project
Village business owners say they are fearing for their future, as they lambasted the provisional extension of a long-running bridge restoration project.
Businesses in Norton and Stowlangtoft have been left fearing for their existence in the wake of the update.
Suffolk Highways said every effort had been made to complete the project in the original timescales, but issues with the concrete supplied had delayed the programme.
Tam Jeyanathan, who runs the BP and Budgens, in Norton, said: “A couple of months ago, on the M25, they built a bridge in a weekend.
“Why this one is taking seven months I don’t know. It’s affecting our businesses – they should sort it out. We are losing more money now.”
The works were originally forecast to finish in December.
A definite revised completion date has not yet been finalised.
Andy Burt, of Andys Auto Fix, also in Norton, said: “I am just astonished as to how long this is taking. I am curious as to if Highways feel this is an acceptable time frame for what is such a minor undertaking in real world terms.”
Andy also questioned when Highways might start to offer ‘proper compensation’ to those impacted.
His business is unable to access the compensation offered from Highways at present as it works through reducing business rates. As a small business, it has full rate relief.
David Woolzy, owner of Stowlangtoft-based Designs On Metal, said no one from Highways had visited his business in the wake of the announcement.
“This is an appalling situation. There’s little or no care for the businesses.
“We’re clinging on by our fingertips – another disaster and we’ll have to close. We can’t survive on fresh air.”
Works on the bridge restarted on November 4 after they were delayed when defects were found with concrete piles used in the construction.
Justin Seldis, who runs The Norton Dog, said the delay was likely to hit the pub hard as January and February are typically quiet months for hospitality.
“It’s ridiculous. At that time of year we need every piece of passing business so it will obviously impact us quite badly. It’s annoying.”
Suffolk Highways said it is hopeful the project will be completed by February 28, and it will keep residents updated through its project section on the county council’s website.
A spokesperson said: “We appreciate the concerns and frustrations of local residents, and businesses and apologise for any inconvenience.
“However, the extension is necessary to ensure that we can complete this complex bridge replacement, which will provide a safer structure for years to come and be of long-term benefit for the community."
