"PEOPLE have stopped coming because they have nowhere to park," says Anna Sheridan, owner of Plumcake cafe in Bramhall's Village Square shopping centre.
On a sunny September day the place would normally be packed with people pottering around the shops and chatting over coffee in its central square. But the decision to close the Village Square car park for work by United Utilities has left the area a 'ghost town' - and businesses say they will struggle to survive.
The water company closed the car park last week to start a project aimed at improving water quality in the nearby Micker Brook. The firm's initial ground investigation started on September 4 and is set to last six weeks, in the hope of reducing the number of times the local storm overflow operates.
The full works will start next year and take place over a longer time, with the exact timescales due to be confirmed later this year.
While there are alternative parking spots in the area, including at the nearby Meadway car park, businesses said many customers needed to park at Village Square to put shopping in their car, or reduce walking distances for elderly or disabled visitors.
For businesses like Plumcake cafe, the impact of the current closure has already been 'catastrophic, Ms Sheridan said.
She added: "It could wipe out the whole of Bramhall, people will go to other places. My people are just not coming, we won't survive this, I'm already thinking about what to do next."
This story is from the September 15, 2024 edition of MEN on Sunday.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 15, 2024 edition of MEN on Sunday.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Bethell relishing Old Trafford T20 decider
JACOB Bethell was pleased to get down to business for England after admitting he struggled to shut out the external noise during a low-key international debut.
Is this turning point that boss so badly needs?
Victory buys Ten Hag breathing space, but now United must capitalise on it
Food for thought for the Insta diners
Why we need to disconnect from our phones for the best eating out experience
'It would normally be packed but now! it's a GHOST TOWN'
Traders warn they won't survive the loss of spaces after water company closed car park
Man used trafficked woman to make more than £100k
A MAN profited from the exploitation of a vulnerable woman to the tune of more than £100,000.
'You imagine there would be a lot of barking but it was silent?
The devastating Manchester Dogs Home fire ten years on
Couple's home hit by car for THIRD time
Pair forced to evacuate property
Shopkeeper faces £20k costs to undo changes he made
Business owner was refused permission for work already done
Disorder'more anti-government than racism'
Barrister makes claim as thug who attacked bus during trouble outside hotel housing asylum seekers jailed
'There's no characters left'
Traders and customers' sadness as shutters come down on market for final time