Southampton Test MP Satvir Kaur last night brought together Southern Water and businesses from Shirley High Street to discuss the impact months of major sewer repair works have had on trading.
The meeting, hosted by Satvir Kaur MP at St Boniface Church Hall on Tuesday evening, saw businesses raise questions directly with senior staff from Southern Water and contractor Cappagh Browne.
Representatives from a total of 21 local businesses attended, including The Temple Bar, Make it Magic and The Salisbury Arms.
Southern Water began emergency repair works on Shirley High Street in April after a sewer collapsed, with the works causing disruption to access and traffic in the area, and local businesses reporting substantial impacts on trade and takings during the months-long duration. The works are now complete, and the section of the High Street affected was fully reopened to traffic last week.
The meeting saw Southern Water explain the work undertaken, answer questions from affected businesses and set out support available to those looking to recover losses.
The MP then chaired a Q&A session, during which businesses highlighted problems caused by lack of communication, changing timelines, damage to property, and the impact felt by independent traders, with Southern Water bosses promising lessons would be learned. The water company also spoke individually with businesses, giving updates to those with existing compensation claims.
Satvir Kaur MP, Member of Parliament for Southampton Test, said:
“It’s no secret that the delays to these works caused huge problems for the High Street. As a result, the community and particularly local businesses endured months of disruption, seriously impacting footfall and trade. Now the works are finally finished, I want to make sure businesses get the answers and support they need to recover, including compensation where appropriate. I’m grateful to businesses for showing out in such force tonight – together we can make it happen.”
Scott Pring, Head of Wastewater Networks at Southern Water, said:
“We recognise the impact this disruption may have had on local businesses and are sorry for the inconvenience caused. With the project now complete, the area is now served by a modern sewer that will support the reliable operation of the wastewater network for years to come. Businesses wishing to understand whether they may be eligible for compensation can find information within our Street Works Policy, which explains the criteria and claims process.”
Peter Gallagher, from Shirley business Make it Magic, said:
“A really constructive meeting, Southern Water and Cappagh Browne absorbed criticism well. I think the proof will be in the pudding, and what they consider the right amount of compensation. Yes, money has been lost, but there has been an emotional and lasting cost too. Will the client base come back? Will it take six months for customers to come back to the High Street? In many ways this has been harder for us than Covid.”
Roy Barrett, landlord of The Temple Bar pub in Shirley, said:
“I’m happy Southern Water turned up and happy with what they’ve said. If they stick to their word and everything goes through as they say, this situation should be put to bed within weeks. That said, the social impact has been massive as well as the cost, the old boys that haven’t been able to come to my pub have suffered. The mental health aspect can’t be compensated, and the community feeling can’t be brought back overnight.”