Businesses 'decimated' by Christmas road closure

Traders have said emergency repairs to a main road is threatening their livelihoods in the run up to Christmas.

The A646 Halifax Road, which links Hebden Bridge to Todmorden, has been shut in both directions to allow for repairs to a damaged sewer pipe and culvert since Friday.

Paul Jackson, from Valley Fuels, said: "It's decimated my business as it has done all down the valley."

Yorkshire Water said it was working to repair the damage "as soon as possible".

Mr Jackson said in the run-up to Christmas he would normally have dozens of people coming to his business but the roadworks had meant he was completely blocked off.

"This is my busiest week by a long chalk.

"I should be having cars queuing around the gates but I'm getting maybe one an hour at the moment."

Greg Baker, who owns arts and crafts shop Crafts and Canvas, said: "This is a key month for us in terms of trading and if we don't make the money now then unfortunately we're not going to get through January and February when it's quiet.

"It's a huge risk for us."

Calderdale Council's Cabinet member for transport, Sarah Courtney, previously said: "We absolutely understand how disruptive this emergency road closure is, and as a resident of Hebden Bridge I know that people living and working in the area are concerned about the timing and duration of the closure.

"We're doing all we can to advise people that businesses are still open as normal and would appreciate people's support, especially at this busy time of year."

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