TRADERS have welcomed the reopening of Boulevard Avenue after more than two months of slow trade due to roadworks – although they may be counting the cost for weeks to come.
Many businesses have complained about the slow trade since the road was made one way in February while Northern Powergrid completed essential electric works.
However, on Sunday, the street reopened – and not a moment too soon for traders such as Vernon Bromley, who had claimed his shop, Lord Street News, was losing up to £1,000 without the passing trade from commuters.
And while Mr Bromley welcomed the news, he believes that it may take a few weeks to recover fully – while people readjust their routines and routes to work.
He said: "It's frustrating because last year, we invested in a coffee machine and special offers to bring people into the store on their way to work at places like Eurparc – and trade had really picked up.
"But the roadworks have left me down on last year by about 15 per cent and it feels like I'm right back to square one again.
"I've seen a few customers this morning that I haven't seen since the road closed, but I think it will take three or four weeks before people realise and adjust.
"I just have to hope that all those people who stopped coming in will return now everything is back to normal."
Denislas Thayenesen, owner of the nearby Lord Street Convenience Store, also thinks that the recovery won't be instantaneous.
"The roadworks have had a real impact on the shop," he said.
"We have had fewer people through the door and deliveries have always been late.
"I'm glad that the road is open again, but I think it will take a few weeks before things are back to normal."
Rosina Blendell works at Fragrance Florists, in Lord Street, and said the roadworks have been a big inconvenience to her and the shop's customers.
She said: "It's been a bit quieter here, but I know some of the other businesses who rely on passing trade have really struggled.
"I'm glad that it will cut the time it takes me to get home every night right down – it has been taking so long."
Ellis McLoughlin, administrator and receptionist at A4E, a training centre on Macaulay Street, said: "A lot of clients have been coming in late because the roads are a nightmare, but that should all be much better now."
