Retailer blames roadworks for 50% drop in sales
- markdarrenwilkinso
- 2 days ago
- 1 min read
Business Owners Criticize Summer Roadworks Disruption on Jersey’s East Coast
Business owners on Jersey’s east coast say six weeks of summer roadworks are severely affecting trade and could have been scheduled at a better time.
Sarah Donati-Ford, owner of the Green Island Village Store, said her shop has been “completely cut off,” halving daily sales. “We need the road done, but not during peak summer,” she said. Restauranteur Alan Winch agreed, saying the timing—during school holidays—was disruptive and suggested autumn or winter would have been better.
The £1.5 million project has partially closed La Grande Route de la Cote in St Clement from 07:30 to 21:00, Monday to Friday. Infrastructure Minister Andy Jehan defended the timing, citing reduced traffic during school holidays.
Some residents are more relaxed. Geoffrey Pirouet said his grandson enjoyed watching the construction, while Brenda Sprent called the inconvenience minor. But others, like Frank Pilnick, complained about poor coordination.
In Trinity, store owner Bernie Le Sueur warned her business may close after being impacted by multiple road projects. “Just give this shop a break,” she pleaded.
Rory Steel, a resident with disabled children, said diversions have added 26km to his daily commute, calling the situation “ridiculous” and poorly planned.
The Infrastructure Department has been contacted for comment on the Trinity works.
