Angela Crawford
A Kyneton business owner has slammed roadworks under way on Jennings Street, which have already cost him thousands of dollars.
The works require the street to be closed from Mollison Street for six to eight weeks as Easter approaches and supermarket renovations impact the Woolworths carpark.
John Silva, owner of Liquor Legends fronting the carpark, said he was angry at the length of time the works were going to take.
“The shop was $10,000 down in trade this past week alone,” he said.
“Next week is Easter, then the school holidays, and it’s the second busiest time in the trade and the road is shut.
“It’s very hard to get to this side of the carpark, you have to drive through the Woolworths carpark (from Baynton Street) and circle back at the end.”
Glen Harris, owner of neighbouring Sizzlin’ Sensations butcher shop, agreed the timing was “less than ideal” but said he understood the works needed to be done.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s director of assets and operations, Shane Walden, said the project received council funding for delivery this financial year and the road condition was in dire need of attention.
“It is expected to worsen over winter if not addressed,” Mr Walden said.
“Due to high demand within the construction industry, mid-March was our earliest possible start date and while we cannot control the timing of other third-party works, a detailed traffic management plan is in place to maintain safe, detoured vehicle access to all local businesses and residents.
“We appreciate there is rarely a good time for road closures and particularly given the expected impacts in such a busy commercial area.
“We endeavoured to communicate these works well in advance and through multiple channels including in local papers, online and in person via letter-drops directly to nearby businesses and residents.”
Mr Walden said the length of time allocated for works included contingency for poor weather but also recognised the added complexity of shallow underground utilities, which the contractor was carefully excavating around for their safety and to avoid any potential network damage.
“We’ll target an earlier completion wherever possible,” he said.
“We thank everyone for their patience as we complete these essential works and we encourage people to support local businesses that remain open during this time.”
