Traders oppose Potters Bar street closure

TRADERS in Potters Bar are opposing plans to close one of the town’s busiest roads for a WHOLE WEEK.

Hertfordshire Highways has proposed to shut a section of Darkes Lane for five days for major resurfacing work.

Work is scheduled to start on Monday, February 15 – when schools will be on half-term – between the junction of Manor Road and the junction of Mountway, costing around �250,000.

Additional work to clear drainage will also take place that week from Station Close down to Mountway, although the road will not be closed.

But the move was met with opposition from shopkeepers and councillors, who fear the closure will put further strain on businesses in a street that has already seen trade decrease significantly in the past year, following the closure of Woolworths and other shops.

And there’s also worries over the impact on traffic in the area.

Now a meeting between Hertfordshire Highways, councillors and traders has been arranged for Thursday, January 21, at 6pm, at the Wyllyotts Centre.

Borough councillor Tugay Sevincli, who runs a dry cleaning firm in Darkes Lane, organised the meeting.

Cllr Sevincli said: “The residents are unhappy and want an alternative, like carrying out the work in the evening, over the weekend, or keeping one side of the road open at all times.”

He added: “Personally, I think there are far worse roads in Potters Bar that should be a priority.”

And borough councillor Peter Knell, who works as a cab driver for Station Cars, based outside Potters Bar railway station, said: “Darkes Lane is one of only two thoroughfares in Potters Bar. Everyone passes through there.

“It’s going to be a logistical headache.”

A county council spokeswoman said: “Darkes Lane is in a bad condition and the road surface needs to be replaced. The work has to be done under full closure to keep the workforce safe.

“There will be a diversion in place so that shops can still be accessed from alternative routes and pedestrian access will also be maintained.”