WESTERN ROAD – WE'RE STILL HERE! ❤️🌸
Well, everyone… what a seven weeks it's been!
I think I can safely say none of us ever wants to see another roadwork barrier, traffic cone or temporary traffic light again!
But seriously, I want to start by saying a huge, heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported us over these past seven weeks. Our customers, neighbours, fellow independent businesses and everyone who has stood alongside us.
You have been absolutely wonderful.
In the coming days , Western Road finally reopens, and I think we can all agree — it's about blooming time!
But behind the smiles, there is a serious reality.
Over the last six weeks, businesses along our road have lost thousands of pounds in trade. Money that small independent businesses simply cannot afford to lose; jobs have already been lost.
And heartbreakingly, people have already lost their jobs because of the downturn.
This is real life, These are people's livelihoods, families and futures.
And now, on Friday, the red route lines are due to go down.
But let me make one thing very clear.
This is a Labour council-introduced Experimental Traffic Regulation Order — an ETRO. It is not the end of the process, and it is certainly not the end of our Legal fight!
We will continue to question the impact on businesses and accessibility, and make sure our voices are heard.
Because we are not against progress. We are not against change. But change must work for the people and businesses who make a high street what it is.
And goodness me, what a wonderful high street we have!
Our cafés, bakery and patisserie, bookshop, record shop, fabulous independent fashion stores, hairdressers, restaurants, florists and all the brilliant businesses that make Western Road so special.
We are not just a row of shops. We are a community. And that's something worth fighting for!
And now, with the Christmas shopping season approaching, I want to ask everyone one little thing.
Come back to Western Road!
Come for a coffee, buy a present, treat yourself, order your Christmas flowers or simply stop for a chat.
Every pound spent locally makes a difference, especially now.
And to my fellow business owners — I know how exhausting and worrying these last few weeks have been. But I'm so proud of the way we've stood together.
So let's get our doors open, our Christmas lights twinkling, our windows looking fabulous and remind everyone just how wonderful Western Road really is.
The road may be reopening, but our fight is not over.
And if the Labour run council thinks a few red lines are going to silence this lot… well, they clearly haven't met the traders of Western Road!
Thank you all for standing with us.
Shop local, love your high street — and let's keep Western Road blooming! ❤️🌸