Michael Fabricant met with over 30 concerned local traders on Friday
23rd February at McDonald’s in the Market Square in Lichfield to discuss
disruption due to City Centre construction work. Michael brought with
him Cllr Neil Roberts (who has cabinet responsibility for the work on
Lichfield District Council), Andy Haynes (the Council officer in charge
of managing construction projects) and Matthew Bowers (the Council
officer in charge of the City Centre refurbishment project).
Representatives from the Lichfield Chamber of Trade and the Southern
Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce & Industry were also in attendance.

Michael Fabricant says: "The number of people who attended the meeting
clearly demonstrated the strength of feeling over the disruption to
business caused by the work though most traders present recognised that
the centre of Lichfield will be much improved after its completion.
This will increase trade in the summer. A number of practical points
were raised at the meeting including the need for construction work to
be properly tidied up each day after completion, the need for continuous
safe pedestrian access to businesses, and the desirability to complete
the work as quickly as possible. I am sure these issues will be
addressed by the Council. ‘Hotline’ phone numbers were distributed to
traders so that when specific problems arise, they know immediately whom
to contact to ensure swift rectification of the situation. For example
an incident was cited when access to a florist was blocked for part of
St Valentine’s Day – their busiest period! Use of the hotline could
have prevented this."

Other suggestions included the implementation of a temporary speed limit
for City Centre vehicles while these works are underway and reduced car
parking charges.

A number of traders asked what compensation could be made available for
loss of trade. Cllr Neill Roberts suggested traders write to the
District Valuer who is empowered to reduce the business rate if it can
be shown that trade has indeed suffered due to the ongoing construction
work. Michael agrees and says "The more traders who write to the
District Valuer, the greater chance they will have to receive some
compensation."

There was also a general discussion on the need for greater car parking
in Lichfield and the importance of keeping access to roads like Dam
Street open for emergency vehicles. All these points were noted by
Council officials.

"It was a very constructive meeting which gave Council officials, Cllr
Neil Roberts and me greater insight into the present problems. I am
sure many of these issues will be addressed. In the meantime, I urge
local traders to join the Lichfield Chamber of Trade or the Southern
Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce & Industry which gives advance warning
to members of matters which affect local trade and is a powerful forum
for representing the interests of business with local Government"
Michael adds.