Businesses say length of Navan works has hit trade hard

Traders in Metges Lane in Navan are furious that it has taken over 10 months to carry out refurbishment works in the area, resulting in substantial loss of business since work began last August. Businesses at the rear of the lane are particularly angry as, despite the fact that customers were cut off from their premises because of the work, they will see no benefit, as no improvements have been carried out in their part of the lane. However, Navan Town Council has said that, when completed, Metges Lane will be one of the finest pedestrian areas in the country, and businesses and residents will enjoy long-term benefits. Sheelagh Kavanagh, who runs Stitch and Fix Alternations, said there has been no improvement to the area where her premises is located, despite the huge chaos caused by the works. She was particularly angry that her premises and that of other businesses to the rear of the lane were cut off completely for nearly three weeks. "The only access was through the narrow lane from Watergate Street and nobody seemed to know where that was," she said. "I saw some of the workmen early morning walking up and down Watergate Street with signs saying 'Metges Lane Business As Usual', but they couldn't find the entrance to the alleyway. I had to show them where it was," she added. "Even when there was access from the Kennedy Road end, it was like a maze and most people didn't realise they could get through to us," she said. Zeki Kareem, who runs K&S Ventures, said: "My stock is coming to its sell-by date and I cannot afford to pay my bills. I am very worried and I'm afraid I might have to close." Roman Laskowski of The Wild Tanning Company pointed out that at 11am last Friday, his staff couldn't in the front door of his premises because of the work. He, too, is afraid he might have to close. His customers have dropped from around 50 a day to 20 and he said he cannot sleep at night worrying about the business. Catherine Hughes of Blush boutique said the loss of business has been huge and they had closed early a number of times because of the work. "We only opened last October and it is hard to take a knock-back like that," she said. Sarah Douglas of O'Brien's Sandwich Bar acknowledged that it had been difficult, but Metges Lane was now looking well and she was looking forward to business picking up. Town clerk Shane Donnelly thanked all the businesses for their patience and understanding and said they would benefit from the works. He said every effort was being made to have the current works completed within the next week. Mr Donnelly said the rear of Metges Lane was never included in the current phase of the works, but the council was anxious to source funding to complete the final phase of the works there this year. However, if funding cannot be sourced to complete it this year, it is the council's intention to include it as part of the 2013 roadworks programme. He said the council was offering a shopfront paint scheme to businesses in the area, where 80 per cent of the cost of the approved paint works would be funded by the council. "The area will be monitored on a very regular basis to ensure that the footpaths are kept clean and free from litter," Mr Donnelly added. Planter boxes also are to be erected to make the area affected more inviting.