“It is really killing me, I can tell you that,” - why these traders want more help from Mansfield District Council

The fed-up shopkeepers believe council chiefs should compensate them for what they say is a big drop in footfall following the start of major regeneration work in the area.

Stockwell Gate is currently being revamped as part of a town centre regeneration scheme which will see the creation of the Mansfield Connect building, a £30 million project that will be a new central base for public services, education and community provision.

But struggling business owners say they have been battling to stay afloat ever since work began.

David Walker, from the Lounge and Bedroom store, told Chad: “We have had the ongoing works with the Walkden Street car park since August and the rebuild down the road,” he said.

“It has affected footfall dramatically at this end of the town. We don’t get as many people coming up here. It is shut off to road traffic as well, so it has not been a very good time to be fair.

“We would like to see some compensation from the council. We did have some rate relief last term for a couple of months, but we are now paying full business rates again, so we are getting no help at the moment.”

Another trader said the construction work had been damaging to business.

“It is really killing me, I can tell you that,” she said. “The council should pay us money because business is lost and I am open seven days a week, it’s their fault not my fault. I have been here for 12 years now.

“The work has also resulted in damage to my roof with water leaking through.”

Hemn Zada, of Razor Kingz, simply added: “It would be really helpful if the rents came down a little bit.”

Andy Abrahams, Executive Mayor of Mansfield, said Mansfield District Council had been working hard to offer committed support for businesses in the area.

"We understand the concerns that business owners on Stockwell Gate are describing and we, along with Mansfield Forward BID, are committed to supporting them and keeping them informed of all developments and changes,” he said.

“The Council has been very active in supporting businesses, protecting the public, and maintaining close liaison since the incident at Walkden Street Car Park and the recent work activities relating to the Mansfield Connect.

“This has included providing additional support to businesses and shoppers through an ‘Open for Business’ campaign, with improved signage, enhanced signposting, and access to one-to-one business support where required, all funded by the Council and delivered in partnership with Mansfield BID.

“We have continued to keep businesses and members of the public informed through additional signage, media engagement, and social media updates.

“I have attended regular four-weekly evening meetings with the business community, led by the Chief Executive, James Biddlestone. These meetings have enabled direct communication with businesses regarding changes, progress updates, and forthcoming developments.

“Where we are able to provide a means of financial support, we have. This has been in the form of a period of business rate exemption. This has been offered and applied to any business, who is eligible for this form of exemption/relief.”

Mr Abrahams added that the ongoing disruption had been necessrary to help in the long-term goal of regenerating Mansfield.

“The recent closures have been necessary to support the safe delivery of Mansfield Connect project, given the condition and materials contained within the two pedestrian bridges,” added Mr Abrahams. “We worked closely with our contractors, Kier, who have supported additional signage, and regularly engaged with businesses both jointly and independently to explain progress with the works.

All of our regeneration projects are designed to help improve our town centre and give everyone a great place to live, shop, work and socialise, and we will continue to support all businesses in Mansfield to help us thrive."