WORK on Prestatyn bus station has led to a drop in shopper footfall according to one trader.
Steven Cumberlidge, owner of N Cumberlidge jewellers on Prestatyn High Street, said: “There has been a delay and it has affected footfall.
“Of course it would have been better to start it six weeks ago.
“It’s quiet at the moment because it’s after Christmas but we will have to see how it goes and find out a few weeks time when business picks up.
“We’ve been told it won’t be finished for months.”
Mike German, councillor for the town’s North ward, said: “Prestatyn people are saying to me that in Rhyl they wouldn’t have got away with this.”
Cllr German said he believed the preferred option to relocate the bus station would have been more beneficial in terms of public safety and sustainability, but the £2.5 million idea was dismissed as too expensive.
He said: “It is a missed opportunity. We are entering an age when public transport will be at a premium, and we thought we were going to have a new station. I still think we will regret this, and it’s down to a lack of public consultation.”
Speaking before the build began, Neil Hallum of Hallmark cards feared the delay, would stifle business in the town, struggling with the most difficult trading conditions many had experienced.
A Denbighshire County Council spokesman said work was well underway and the first phase would be completed by May.
He said: “Phase two of the works which includes work on the lower end of the High Street and the Junction at Nant Hall Road will start on February 6.
“Setting up the Traffic and Pedestrian Management will be the first operation to take place followed by extensive works to the surrounding footways in this area. “This phase of the work is due to be completed by mid July.”