We all need to work together to make this run smoothly. That was the message from Telford & Wrekin Council chiefs this week – as diggers prepare to move on site in High Street.
The long-awaited Newport town centre regeneration works begin in earnest next week.
Two gangs of workers will start digging up the pavement on Monday morning, one outside the Guildhall and the other outside the Sorting Office.
And council bosses admit that the 20-week finishing target is so tight that workers will barely have time for a cup of tea and a Hobnob.
Speaking to a room of anxious traders at this week’s Chamber of Commerce meeting, project manager Guy Biddulph said: “There will be no time for cups of tea and biscuits.
“It really is a tight programme and there is a lot of work to do in 20 weeks.
“We are due to finish on site six weeks before Christmas.
“This is achievable, but only if it runs very, very smoothly.
“You’ll probably get sick of hearing me say it, but we need to work together.”
Representatives from contractors Fitzgerald, who have carried out a number of similar projects across England, were also present to ease trader worries.
They promised that every High Street business would have pedestrian access at all times. Work will be carried out in 30 metre sections to keep disruption to minimum.
And workers will be on site on Sundays rather than Saturdays, which is the busiest day for shopping.
Fitzgerald contracts manager Simon Jones said: “The crucial thing is that we both talk to each other and it should run smoothly. We do a lot of town centre improvement works and the finished project should attract more visitors to the area.”
So far 50 per cent of business owners have returned their questionnaires to inform the contractors of special requirements.
Mr Biddulph added: “We would normally expect a return of around 25 per cent, so that is encouraging.
“Some businesses are open 24 hours, others need access at all times.
“We will have to find a way around these things.”
Regeneration Partnership member David Parker urged remaining business owners to get their forms in as soon as possible.
By Sean Wozencroft