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Don't delay over roadworks claims

Vic Barlow
23/ 4/2008

SWANSEA department store JT Morgan is to sue the local council for trade lost claiming "badly managed" roadworks forced them into receivership.

Managing director John Coles claims the roads commenced without consultation, resulting in a trade loss of more than £800K.

Cheshire County Council must be quaking in their boots – they wrote the book on haphazard roadworks.

Success in this case could trigger an avalanche of similar claims, so local businesses should watch closely.

JT Morgan, the oldest and largest departmental store in Wales, will now survive following a recent rescue package, but CCC will not.

After April 1, 2009, (All Fool’s Day!) the county council will cease to exist, so aggrieved businesses should stake their claim early.

All those long-suffering retailers in Poynton may want to consider their position, as I’m sure traders in Alderley and Wilmslow already have.

It would be wise for prospective claimants to consult a suitably qualified solicitor.

Perhaps independent retailers might consider a class action where one solicitor can advise all claimants?

Whatever the outcome, this case is a clear wake-up call for councils to manage their responsibilities with due regard to local business.

The views on this page are Vic Barlow's and not necessarily those of the Express