Firms fear impact of 'lengthy' regeneration works
Guisborough shop owners say parking restrictions make it harder for customers to access businesses.
Firms fear impact of 'lengthy' regeneration works
Jenny Truefitt says the work on Chaloner Street has affected her business
Frustrated businesses say regeneration work is hurting trade, with parking restrictions and disruption set to continue for months.
Shop owners in Guisborough say the scheme, which covers parts of Westgate and Chaloner Street, has made it more difficult for customers to reach businesses and find parking.
One shopkeeper, Peter Milburn, said the road work was supposed to be completed in August, but there had been "issues" that have pushed it back by "a couple of extra months".
Redcar and Cleveland Council said it acknowledged the works "have taken longer than expected" and understood the frustration they had caused.
The regeneration project started in spring 2026, and Chaloner Street business owners say the area was fenced off over the summer, making it harder for customers to access them.
Access and parking continue to be issues in Guisborough
Jenny Truefitt, a sales manager at a lingerie shop, said there had been "a lot of disruption" because older customers could not be dropped off outside the store.
She said she feared possible customers would "just go to other towns like Stokesley".
"It seems like it's taken a long time when initially it was meant to be four months," she said.
"A lot of businesses rely on people visiting. It's usually a nice experience but at the moment it's not so much."
The work and the disruption linked to it are expected to continue well into next year
The works are due to continue until spring 2027, and the council said the government-funded scheme was intended to make the streets more welcoming and accessible for residents and visitors.
Plans for Westgate and Chaloner Street include new street furniture, a pedestrian crossing near New Road and feature lighting.
Guisborough's mayor Julie Hart praised contractors
Town mayor Julie Hart, who also owns a business in Guisborough, said it had been "a little uncomfortable" but said the contractors Esh Construction were trying to "minimise the impact on everybody as much as they can".
"They're going to get Chaloner Street resurfaced again soon so that businesses can have a good Christmas trade," she said.
Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council said the works uncovered several unexpected underground problems that needed further investigation and repair work.
It also said nearby public and private car parks remained open.