A Dunstable businessman has spoken out in favour of the Court Drive ‘streetscape’ roadworks, saying the impact it has had on traffic has been “greatly overstated”.
Eugene Ghent, of Clowns Fancy Dress in High Street North, also defended Councillor Nigel Young after Councillor Julian Murray claimed there had not been enough consultation between Central Beds Council and local businesses and that some people were calling the project “Nigel’s Folly”.
Mr Ghent told the Gazette: “It’s outrageous that this negativity should come from a councillor and include an attack on one of Dunstable’s most committed and positive representatives who is completely focused on improving our town.”
The roadworks in Court Drive had previously come under fire from local businesses suffering from the reduced customer footfall caused by increased traffic in the area.
Mike Bloye, of Mike’s Fish and Chips, said he “absolutely will be put out of business” by the problems he faced.
But last month he told the Gazette: “I don’t believe in lying down and letting somebody kick the hell out of me. I’m going to stand up and fight.”
Mr Ghent said: “What we’re lacking is the positive thinking that we need to succeed. For me that’s everyone’s responsibility.
“We should be talking up the good points of the town we love rather than constantly looking to highlight what’s wrong with it. Maybe then we’d all be winners.”
Mr Ghent’s comments come a week after Councillor Brian Spurr also responded to Mr Murray’s “not enough consultation” claim. Mr Spurr said: “We have been in constant dialogue throughout the planning stages of the works and this will continue until the works are complete.
“Ultimately the Court Drive scheme is about creating an attractive and more open space and is part of wider plans to make the area more appealing to shoppers – which will benefit businesses in the long term.”
> Court Drive controversy continues.
See Your Letters, page 13