MP gives his backing to traders hit by roadworks (From Worcester News)

MP gives his backing to traders hit by roadworks

Peter Luff MP was in Evesham this week to lend his support to businesses after the completion of the High Street enhancement scheme.

The High Street enhancements had frustrated some traders who claimed that the six months of disruption had a significantly negative impact on their business.

Mr Luff had come down to see for himself how traders were coping, in particular the Birds Eye Sports and The School Shop which employs four staff full-time – nine during the ‘back to school’ period – and which supplies uniforms to 26 schools.

Mr Luff said: “I’m anxious to come and speak to any local business, especially independents, after the completion of the High Street enhancements and to see how they are doing. Evesham has a good number of these independent shops and businesses. But we need to support those we have while encouraging more to come and set up shop in the town.”

Louise Bugg, owner of Birds Eye Sports and The School Shop, said she was pleased to see Mr Luff and to have the chance to speak to him about the issues they faced.

“We wanted to show Mr Luff a shop in Evesham that was doing well despite the roadworks. We had a drop in both sales and footfall during the enhancements, but our loyal customers have remained.”

During his whistlestop tour of Evesham this week, Mr Luff also met the managing director of Foster & Freeman, Bob Dartnell, and was given a tour of the company’s manufacturing facility on Vale Park.

The MP for Mid-Worcestershire popped in to Evesham Fire Station as well to thank firefighters for their ongoing efforts to keep the community safe, and to see new water rescue equipment.