Ref. 28975_05SHOP owners in Gorse Hill fear the introduction of a temporary parking ban in Cricklade Road will do more damage to dwindling trade.

Businesses in Cricklade Road face five months of parking restrictions while 30 flats are built on the site of the former bingo hall.

People in the area are already unhappy at the introduction of a new set of traffic lights at the site of the former table junction in Cricklade Road, which they say has worsened traffic flow and puts off potential visitors.

David Herbert, 33, part-owner of Michael's Workwear, said: "This could be the final nail in the coffin for Gorse Hill traders."

The Evening Advertiser reported on Wednesday how a 2,400-signature petition from shoppers, businesses and residents, warning about the threat to the economic future of the area, was being considered by councillors.

Cars will not be able to park in an area of Cricklade Road full of shops while building work on the former hall takes place from August 11.

The 'no waiting at any time' restriction has been ordered by Swindon Council and applies between 35 and 56 Cricklade Road.

Parking at the rear of shops will also be closed to improve access for vehicles involved in the building of 30 affordable one and two bedroom affordable apartments.

The site, which used to be the Sterling bingo hall, is being developed by Cabot Homes, and Swindon Council has tried to assure shops that disruption will be kept to a minimum.

Mr Herbert said: "It's scandalous. Parking is bad enough already. This latest disruption could definitely sound the death knell for many more businesses."

Gerry Ireson, 39, who owns That Shop furniture store, is also dreading the months ahead.

He said: "I need to renew my lease and it's a complete gamble. The back of my shop is being turned into a building site, so deliveries here are impossible. The chaos couldn't have come at a more fragile time."

Sue and Andy Birch, who run Birch's Fish Bar, are equally frustrated.

Mrs Birch, 52, said: "This adds insult to injury. People are already grumbling about the parking and this disruption will be a bigger deterrent."

Peter Johnson, 41, owner of PC's computer shop, said: "It's all one-sided. We're still paying our taxes while the council helps kill off trade here."

The council's Transport, Environment and Neighbourhood Services Commission (TENS) has recommended that further traffic surveys are carried out at the controversial new traffic junction.

But the survey will be delayed until after the school summer holidays, putting the report to the TENS committee back to October or November.

Even if a roundabout to replace the lights is approved, work will not begin until next year and businesses fear it will be too late.

Maggie Mays, who spearheaded the petition and runs Big As You Like lingerie store, said: "The impending chaos is bound to send more businesses under. There's no way we can carry on like this. If things don't improve, we'll be joining the butcher who closed last month."

Gavin Calthrop, spokesman for Swindon Council, said: "The temporary no waiting zone will be arranged in such a way as to cause minimum possible disruption in the area. The development will provide affordable housing for key workers in the area."