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Posted on the 9th February 2026 in PHTM News

ROADWORKS NIGHTMARE: SOUTHAMPTON BUSINESSES FEAR CITY CENTRE IS BEING KILLED OFF

Fresh drainage surveys in Southampton City Centre, at the busy junction of Above Bar, New Road, and Civic Centre Road have sparked a backlash from local traders who say constant disruption is driving people away.

While Southampton City Council confirmed the works will take place overnight from February 16 to February 20, those working on the ground warn the impact will be felt around the clock.

Jason Watling-Mccarthy, landlord of The Painted Wagon pub, claims the works are a "massive" blow during an already tough winter.

He reports a 20 per cent drop in footfall compared to last year, blaming the council’s "scatter gun approach" to road improvements.

"These works are certainly going to affect our deliveries," he said, adding that "there are no positives to these works for local business like ours – it just massively reduces footfall."

He believes the endless construction and lack of parking are actively discouraging visitors from entering the city.

Taxi drivers are equally worried about the fallout. Perry McMillan noted that the location is a vital hub for both daytime and night-time trade, and the diversions will make reaching taxi ranks a struggle.

"These works will delay drivers like myself getting to the taxi rank and big road works like this are always destructive to our business," he warned.

While he urged the public to "be patient with us while these works are complete," his main hope is that the council finishes the project quickly before more damage is done to the local economy.

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