Mottram bypass blamed for failing businesses

There are increasing concerns in Hollingworth that the Mottram bypass works are going to adversely affect multiple businesses in the village.

The Mottram bypass works, officially known as the A57 Link Roads scheme, have already impacted several businesses, with one having recently announced that it’s closing.

The Tanning Lounge in Hollingworth is closing its doors on October 31st after just over a year in business. And the owner, Sharon Hughes, is primarily blaming the A57 Link Roads scheme for its closure, suggesting that it’s the “biggest factor” in her having to close.

Sharon told us, “It has killed our trade. At the beginning, we were getting 30-odd people in a day, but no one wants to come down and even anticipate trying to get through the traffic now.

“The roadworks have been the biggest factor. This year, we obviously had the bad fires on the moor, so the road was closed again. And they closed the road from Hollingworth even though the fires were right up past Tintwistle.

“I was the last one to arrive really, and virtually as I opened the shop, the roadworks started.

“I employed four people in the area, and now I’m having to close”.

Hughes also claims that there had been a lack of communication from National Highways, saying, “They never let any of the shops know anything.”

Based on conversations we had with other business owners in Hollingworth, The Tanning Lounge is unlikely to be the last business to shut its doors.

Hollingworth Bakery, which has been an ever-present in the village for over 30 years, has seen a downturn in business since the scheme started. They have already reduced their opening hours, with staff having their working hours reduced as a result.

It isn’t just footfall that’s the problem either. The bakery offers outside catering, but with the road closures and roadworks making it more difficult to get to and from the premises, even that has become trickier. There is a rather ironic wrinkle though, in that the workers constructing the Mottram Bypass have become regular customers.

While we didn’t get to speak to all of the businesses in the village, the Link Roads scheme was a consistent talking point. And we know that other businesses have been adversely affected by the road closures and delays that the scheme is causing. For restaurants and cafes already struggling to persuade people to come dine with them, the roadworks are an unnecessary hassle.

Not everyone in the village is too concerned. The staff manning the tills at the One Stop haven’t noticed much change in footfall. Meanwhile, the landlady at The New Inn pub has only been there for a couple of weeks, so hasn’t yet had a chance to feel the impact of the ongoing roadworks and regular road closures. She did, however, say that the heavy goods vehicles that currently travel through the village make the windows and doors shake at night.

With the A57 Link Roads scheme not due to be completed until the winter of 2028/29, there are concerns amongst business owners that they may not survive the process. One has already succumbed to the pressure, but others may follow.

A National Highways spokesperson said: “We understand the impact roadworks can have. We have been in direct communication with businesses and residents affected by our roadworks and our teams will continue to work closely with them to minimise disruption wherever possible while maintaining a safe working environment.

“This essential scheme will relieve the long-term issue of congestion in Mottram in Longdendale and help to improve journeys between Manchester and Sheffield.”