If This Was Heathrow or Gatwick, It Would Have Been Fixed Years Ago
Business leaders in Greater Manchester demand urgent action on the A555 road closures affecting local commerce and transport.
Greater Manchester, A555, Flooding, Transport, Businesses, Stockport, Cheshire
Greater Manchester: Small business leaders are really upset about the A555 Manchester Airport Relief Road. They’re questioning the design and management of the road, especially since it keeps closing due to flooding.
This road, which opened in 2018, has become infamous for its flooding issues. Just recently, it was shut down again after heavy rains. The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has reached out to local councils, urging them to take action. They feel that if this were in the South East, it would have been fixed ages ago.
FSB boss Robert Downes pointed out that if it were Heathrow or Gatwick, the problem would have been sorted out long ago. His letter to Stockport and Cheshire East Councils is a call to action, stressing that the ongoing closures are hurting local businesses.
The A555 is a key route connecting Hazel Grove to Manchester Airport, but it’s been flooding almost every year since it opened. Businesses are feeling the pinch, with fewer customers and staff running late because of the closures.
Downes mentioned that this isn’t just a one-time issue; it’s become a yearly headache. He’s frustrated that a newly built road is still facing such predictable problems, especially in a region known for its rainy weather.
He also highlighted that the repeated flooding points to serious design flaws and raises questions about the competence of those who built it. He believes the people of Greater Manchester deserve better treatment when it comes to transport infrastructure.
Downes insists that Stockport and Cheshire East Councils need to act quickly to secure funding and expertise to fix the A555 for good. The situation can’t keep happening year after year.
He added that the recent flooding has shown just how vulnerable the road is. The impact goes beyond just inconvenience; local businesses are losing customers, and the traffic chaos is affecting air quality as cars are forced onto alternative routes.
Councillor Laura Crane from Cheshire East Council acknowledged the frustrations of residents. She mentioned that while they prioritize maintenance, extreme weather can still cause issues. They’re working on long-term solutions, but it requires cooperation from various authorities.
The Manchester Evening News has reached out to Stockport Council for their comments on the situation.