Plea to Support Towns Local Businesses as Footfall Declines with Road Closures.

Penrith Town centre roads closures have caused some disruption, but many roads are still open in the town centre but businesses in Penrith are saying they have noticed a decline in the footfall through the town. The decline in footfall has occurred since the gas mains replacement work started that will see closure of roads in Penrith for two months.

Northern Gas Network are currently working on the first of three stages of the gas mains replacement work through the town centre.

One town centre business today told us the road closures and lack of people in town was an eerie reminder of Penrith in 2020 with the streets empty and roads closed due to the pandemic. 

Penrith BiD has said “While some roads may be temporarily closed due to ongoing maintenance, let's focus on the positive side of things - our beloved local shops ARE STILL OPEN and ready to serve you! Yes, road closures can sometimes be inconvenient, but let's not forget the incredible array of small businesses that make our town so special. These local shops are the heart and soul of Penrith, and they need our support now more than ever!”

The Evolve Penrith group who campaigned along with the local business community to reopen the roads of Penrith in 2020 today said “the impact on the town’s businesses through the road closures is for the second time in the last few years showing the realities of the impact pedestrianisation would have on the town that still some in the town council and other groups are pushing for. The reality is these road closures shown that such measures would create lasting negative impacts on Penrith.”

Adding “Our local business in Penrith need the support of the local community, Westmorland and Furness Council have abandoned the town’s businesses by not looking at mitigation measures and alternatives to the full closures Penrith is facing even the provision of free car parking could have helped as a supportive action by the council but has failed to be implemented.”

Have road closures stopped you shopping in town?