Traders in Dudley fear their town centre may never recover from the 'catastrophic' disruption caused by a trio of major, delayed transport projects, with some describing the area as a 'ghost town'.
A Trio of Disruptive Projects
Three significant schemes are currently transforming the town's infrastructure: the construction of a new interchange on the site of the old bus station, the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro extension, and major road improvements at Burnt Tree Junction. While intended for long-term benefit, the concurrent works have brought daily gridlock and a severe drop in footfall.
The bus station closed on 14 January 2024, and the Metro and interchange projects have since faced delays. Although both are anticipated to finish this year, no firm passenger-ready dates have been set, with summer now seen as the earliest possibility.
'Catastrophic' Impact on Local Businesses
At a recent Transport Delivery Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting, Councillor David Stanley acknowledged the 'huge disruption' for businesses. Traders on the adjacent Birdcage Walk have felt the impact most acutely.
John Gardiner, owner of Dubliners bar, reported trade is down 60 to 70 per cent. "To us, catastrophic is the only word I can use," he said. "Dudley is gridlocked... What they've done is torn a town up and they expect people to come back after massive delays. They are not coming back."
He highlighted a lack of government support for survival, coming straight out of the Covid pandemic into this prolonged disruption.
From Market Stalls to Shopping Centres: A Widespread Decline
The decline is visible across Dudley. The market, which underwent a £150,000 refurbishment last year, had only four stalls in use on a recent Thursday. Fruit and veg trader Graham Southall, a 20-year veteran, noted elderly customers struggle without the nearby bus station to carry bags.
Alison Wade of Cards 4 You in the Churchill Shopping Centre said the drop in footfall was "immediate" once buses stopped using the old station. She questioned why work was paused for Christmas at the Merry Hill shopping centre but not in Dudley town centre.
Danyell Goodyear of Elizabeth Lorine Flowers said custom has moved online due to parking charges and access issues, leaving the area "dead". "It's just like a ghost town," she stated, doubting a recovery is possible as regulars have found new shopping habits.
Response from Transport Authorities
Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) stated it understands the challenges and thanked businesses for their patience. A spokesperson said they have acted to minimise disruption and support traders through:
- Financial assistance payments for some eligible businesses.
- Free marketing campaigns.
- Seasonal events to attract customers.
TfWM emphasised that the projects, delivered with Dudley Council, are part of wider plans to boost the town's economy and make it a better place to live, work, and invest for the long term.
However, for traders like John Gardiner, the immediate reality is a fight for survival. "There is very little breathing room left," he warned, capturing the desperate mood on Dudley's struggling streets.
