Businesses fear loss of summer trade due to closure of A39 in Camelford

The road is not expected to reopen until late August

There are concerns about support for traders in Camelford as many businesses have seen a drop in trade due to major road closures.

The busy A39 from Fore Street, which runs through the centre, remains closed due to an unsafe building.

It comes as the summer holidays are now in full swing.

Graham Sleep, owner of R Sleep Limited in Camelford, said: “It stopped the passing trade, that’s gone.

“Because it’s so difficult to get in here, customers who have a chance to get something else get up and go there. It’s much quieter in the store here. People call more before they come in.”

Malcolm Bell, chief executive of Visit Cornwall, said: “It is quite worrying as it would stop the number of people traveling to north east Cornwall and to Bude and other places. The sooner we reopen, the better.

“Tourists can go anywhere, but if you cut the trail, then you’re going to starve that area of ​​day-trippers and tourists.”

Rachel Bishop, owner of Blue Sky Silver, said: “Everything is down from last year. I know the trade has been pretty quiet this year anyway, but this year we are relying so much on the holiday trade and tourists coming in.

“We need that passing traffic to notice us when they come.”

Businesses have also expressed concerns about the uncertainty of when the road will reopen. It is understood the road could reopen by August.

North Cornwall MP Ben Maguire previously described the closure as “crippling” for local businesses.

The Liberal Democrat MP met with businesses and is urging local authorities to do “everything they can” to prioritize reopening the road and encourage people to continue using local businesses in the town in the meantime.

A spokesman for Cornwall Council said: “The owner of the dangerous building located along a narrow section of the A39 is responsible for the safety of the building so that the road can be reopened to vehicles.

“The council is liaising with the property owner to look at all options to ensure the work is completed as soon as possible.‌‌

“Safety is paramount, so in the meantime, although pedestrian access is being maintained and signs have been put up to warn that shops and businesses remain open, we have no choice but to keep the road closed and divert all vehicles until we are satisfied that the property is in a safe state and there is no risk to the general public.

“Drivers are asked to follow the diversion route which remains in place.”

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