One way to business crisis say traders

Town centre traders are voicing fears that they could be out of business by Christmas due to the impact of the new one-way traffic system in Athlone. Members of the Church Street Traders Association are meeting today (Wednesday) to discuss their concerns. The move comes after Athlone Town Council acknowledged the possibility that the controversial system, which has also angered much of the Athlone public, could be scrapped. Town Clerk John Walsh told the Westmeath Independent that it had been implemented on a 'trial basis' and whilst he indicated this meant there was an ongoing review to improve and streamline the system, he also indicated that the success of the entire scheme would also be considered. 'If it"s successful, we"d keep it in place, if it doesn"t turn out to be successful, we"d have to look at that too,' he told the Westmeath Independent. Westmeath County Council Director of Services Barry Kehoe, however, said there was no going back on the new system. 'The big picture is that we want to improve the environment of the town centre, improve it for pedestrians,' said Mr Kehoe. 'The council is repairing all the paths and widening them, there"ll be better pedestrian facilities and disabled access, enhanced public lighting and upgrading of street furniture. It will mean a more welcome and comfortable place for all users, especially pedestrians and cyclists.' Meanwhile, traders in Church Street say they are feeling the pinch. 'As far as I know no-one is happy,' said David FitzGerald, chairman of the Church Street Traders Group. 'There seems to be a drop in footfall for all the shops on Church Street and last weekend was very quiet. We"re also receiving a huge amount of complaints from customers.' Politicians have, in general this week, been slow to voice their opinions on the issue, with most preferring to pinpoint the absence of the Railway Field Road as a key factor. The council had planned to acquire that land from CIE as part of a four-lane road from St Vincent"s Hospital to the Crescent Roundabout. However, the matter has not been progressed - and a smaller road and junction at the Crescent was established prior to the opening of the new towncentre development. Senator Nicky McFadden has now called for the postponement of the system until the Railway Field Road saga has been resolved.