Panic as UK town high street to be ‘killed off’ from June 1 – ‘catastrophic’ | UK | News

Fears are growing that a major road closure could devastate a struggling High Street in the Scottish town of Sanquhar; Traders warn that this disruption could effectively “destroy” the city centre. Business owners say the planned closure will block vital traffic and leave them struggling to survive during an already difficult time.

Shopkeepers in the town are alarmed by the six-week closure of the A76, a key route that runs directly through the High Street, describing the potential disaster as a “catastrophe”. The road will be completely closed from 1 June to 10 July to allow repairs to the foundation stonework of the historic Tolbooth Museum, an 18th-century Category A-listed building. The structure is located right next to the road where the roadway narrows significantly, leading the council to insist the full closure is necessary to keep both workers and drivers safe.

Although the initial works will be managed using temporary traffic lights from 18 May, the more disruptive phase will begin in June when the full closure will come into force. During this time motorists will have to make a long detour of around 50 miles using routes via Cumnock and Thornhill.

Local traders say the consequences could be severe. Many rely heavily on transient trading and expect daily losses to skyrocket without traffic.

Charles Brown, who has operated C&M Brown newsstands just yards from the Tolbooth for more than 20 years. BBC: “The situation could be devastating.” He explained that businesses in the town were already under pressure and warned that shutting down the main flow of customers for weeks could make business difficult for some.

He criticized the decision to close the road at all hours of the day and suggested that alternatives such as night work or the use of special equipment could reduce disruption. He estimates the closure could cost him hundreds of pounds a day in lost income.

Concerns have also been voiced by other shopkeepers on the High Street. Emma Gilchrist, who runs a nearby convenience store, warned: “The impact will go beyond lost footsteps.” It fears major supply problems as delivery trucks are forced into long diversion routes.

He noted the town’s demographics, noting that many residents are elderly or don’t drive, meaning local stores are a lifeline. Without reliable deliveries, shelves may become bare and vulnerable customers may have difficulty accessing basic needs.

Emma Gilchrist added: “While many small businesses rely on a summer boost following the typically quieter winter months, this recovery now looks unlikely.” He warned that many stores had closed in the past year and further disruption could accelerate the decline.

Despite the outcry, a Dumfries and Galloway Council spokesman said: “The work is inevitable due to serious defects in the building’s stonework.” Officials emphasized that steps were being taken to limit disruption, including maintaining local access and ensuring emergency services could still get through.

The council also said signage will be installed to indicate businesses remain open during the works and the timing of the closure was chosen to enable the road to reopen ahead of major summer events.

But traders remain unconvinced, arguing that preserving a historic building should not come at the expense of the town’s economic survival.