'Harassment and bullying' claims over controversial Wolverhampton roadworks scheme

Businesses on and around Victoria Street in Wolverhampton say footfall plummeted during 17 months of disruption caused by a £15.7 million council project to pedestrianise the route.

Speaking at a scrutiny board meeting, members of the Westside Traders Group accused the Labour-run council of multiple failings over the work, which officially started in January 2022 and was completed last month.

It has seen at least seven businesses close down, while others suffered falling trade and were forced to lay off staff.

Esme Stackhouse, who runs Tunwalls English Kitchen on Victoria Street, said there had been a "lack of consultation" with businesses throughout the scheme.

Much of the criticism centred around the council's relaunch grant and support package, which started two months ago with the aim of offering financial support to traders impacted by the works.

But Ms Stackhouse said it had left traders frustrated, angry and confused.

After the scheme went live on April 3, she said, businesses had been "hassled" and "bullied" by council staff. She said they were told they had to apply by the end of May or they would miss out – information that proved to be "misleading" as the deadline had been extended.

This was "disgraceful behaviour" and totally unfair, she said, adding that the council had failed to support traders through the application process.