Local Trader Requests Compensation Over Disruption Caused by Roadworks

Jersey Shop Owner Calls for Business Support Amid Roadwork Disruptions

A Jersey shop owner is calling on the government to consider offering financial support to small businesses that have seen a drop in trade due to ongoing roadworks.

Kaspar Wimberley, co-founder of SCOOP – The Sustainable Cooperative – in St Lawrence, said the store has experienced a 30% decline in footfall since access to the area was affected by resurfacing work in nearby St John.

The works have led to extended diversions and traffic delays, which local traders say are deterring customers. “Some people have said it’s taken them 15 to 20 minutes longer just to reach us,” Mr Wimberley said. “We rely on passers-by as well as regular shoppers, so that kind of delay makes a real difference.”

Wimberley believes more could be done to reduce the impact of such projects on local businesses, including working outside of peak hours. “Maybe there's a way to make these roadworks more efficient, quicker, and potentially carried out during evenings or weekends,” he suggested.

The shop has been encouraging customers to continue supporting local trade during the disruption. “We’re asking people to rally round and keep coming – it really helps,” he added.

The Department for Infrastructure and Environment, which is overseeing the resurfacing works in St John’s Village, acknowledged the inconvenience and said its teams were working hard to complete the project swiftly.

In a statement, the department said: “We understand the frustrations caused by restricted access and diversions. These essential works have been in planning for five years and are necessary to improve road safety and infrastructure in the area.”

The works currently affect access between Carrefour Selous and St John’s Village, and while no compensation scheme is currently in place, local business owners hope the government will consider ways to cushion the economic impact of future infrastructure projects.