A 35-week disruption is feared in the Surrey villages of Shalford and Bramley due to upcoming gas network upgrades. The impact on local businesses and residents is a major concern, especially with the project's lengthy timeline stretching into mid-November.
SGN, the company behind the upgrades, has announced plans to replace ageing metal gas mains with modern plastic pipes along key roads in both villages. This essential work aims to ensure a safer and more reliable gas supply for the future. However, it's a double-edged sword for local businesses, who are already reeling from previous incidents.
Josh Howard, owner of The Nest coffee shop in Bramley, expresses his worries. He calls the upcoming disruption a "major inconvenience" that could deter customers from visiting the area. Howard's shop has already faced challenges, including a fuel leak contamination in 2024 and a sewage treatment plant fault in 2023, both of which forced temporary closures.
Ozzie Khan, owner of the King Fish chip shop, shares similar concerns. He believes the roadworks will significantly impact their business, as customers may opt to avoid the village altogether. With rising costs and business rates already a strain, Khan worries that the disruption will further affect their trade.
The work will involve rolling road closures on Chinthurst Lane in Shalford, starting from 23 March for approximately 10 weeks. During this time, Poplar Road will also be closed at its junction with Chinthurst Lane for a fortnight.
From 7 April, temporary traffic lights will be installed on the A281 Horsham Road between Bramley and Shalford, with the project expected to last 32 weeks. To maintain traffic flow, staggered closures will also be implemented on Snowdenham Lane, Links Road, and Foxburrow Hill Road.
A spokesperson for SGN acknowledges the frustration roadworks can cause and apologizes for any inconvenience. However, they emphasize the long-term benefits of the new plastic pipes, which have an 80-year lifespan, ensuring a safe and reliable gas supply for residents and businesses in the area.
But here's where it gets controversial: with the potential for significant disruption, how can local businesses and residents best prepare and adapt to these challenges? And this is the part most people miss: how can we ensure that essential upgrades like these don't disproportionately impact vulnerable businesses and communities?
What are your thoughts on this situation? Do you think the benefits of the upgrades outweigh the short-term disruptions? We'd love to hear your opinions in the comments below!
