SEVERAL businesses along Queen Street have reported a loss of trade since work to ‘enhance’ the road began in May.

This comes as Teignbridge District Council (TDC) say work to Queen Street is ‘well ahead of schedule’.

Johnsons Cleaners told the Mid-Devon Advertiser that they are down by around 25 per-cent; the specialist cleaners described a recent Saturday’s day of trading as ‘the worst in 19 years’.

Fortunately, an influx of wedding dresses has helped ease the situation, but ‘there is no denying we are down’ they said.

Similarly, Phoenix Sound, headed up by Roger Cox, reported loses of between 10 and 15 per-cent - Roger saying he was being ‘extra cautious’ when it came to ordering in new stock.

Ever the proactive businessman, Roger arranged a meeting with TDC to discuss how they can help the businesses, and, despite being described as ‘very positive’, there has been scant action, if any, on what was discussed in the meeting.

Jacksons Fishmongers, Shaldon Bakery and Percy’s Fabrics have all reported loses of between 10 and 20 per-cent, according to a statement by the Queen Street Traders And Residents Association (QSTAR)

‘It is absolutely heartbreaking that healthy and successful businesses are being made to suffer this and that our beloved Queen Street is being dug up against the clearly stated wishes of the people’ the statement went on to say.

Elsewhere, the Pharmacy Café told the Mid-Devon Advertiser it was down by around 30 per-cent.

The team aired their frustration with the lack of clear communication regarding the scheme - ‘the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing’ the team said.

Aside from an initial visit, there has been no contact by those representing the scheme, be it contractors or council persons, with the team at the Pharmacy Café.

This loss of trade experienced by businesses has occurred when Queen Street is open, disrupted albeit, but open nonetheless.

However, come August this will change; the road is to close for around two months when a temporary prohibition of through traffic, parking, waiting and loading and unloading in Queen Street, Albany Street and Victoria Place is put in place to allow the work to continue.

How will this effect business? One cannot say for sure, but it is unlikely that a road closure will boost sales.

In the meantime, work to Queen Street is ‘well ahead of schedule’ says TDC.

In its latest newsletter, TDC say: ‘Work to make Queen Street safer, greener and more attractive has been progressing well following a slight delay to the start.

‘The first phase, at the western end of Queen Street, is now well underway.

‘To allow the work to be completed on time at the end of November, contractors have started some work ahead of schedule, including widening the southern footway by St Paul’s Road and undertaking preparatory work for a new crossing near The Avenue.

‘Residents in the area have been updated and we expect this section to be completed within the next two weeks.’