Bramhall's Village Square car park is set to close for up to 12 months despite traders saying last year that it could be "catastrophic" for local businesses.

The car park will close in spring when United Utilities (UU) start 'essential' work to improve the water quality in Micker Brook which runs through the area. The work is part of a £5.9m investment by UU to improve two combined storm overflow systems based on Briarlands Close and Lumb Lane, aimed at reducing the number of times the overflows operate into the brook.

While the work is taking place, drivers will be directed by signs to park at the nearby Meadway car park – a five-minute walk from the precinct. But traders in Village Square are worried the closure of the car park could prevent some customers from visiting.

Last year Anna Sheridan, owner of Plumcake Cafe, said the impact on local businesses could be huge.

She told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) today (January 15) that she has lost staff members who found jobs elsewhere because of the potential impact on the business.

"We are trying to stay positive, but it is for a long time," she added. "We just want them to push it back so they can do longer days [when it is lighter outside]."

The car park also closed for around two weeks last September while initial groundworks took place.

Bramhall's Village Square precinct (Image - Declan Carey LDRS)

Some visitors to the precinct told the LDRS at the time that the area turned into a "ghost town."

Zoe McVaigh, owner of Ceramics and Chill, said despite the planned closure businesses in Village Square would find a way to get by.

She added: "It did affect footfall when the car park was closed last year, but there's a lot of parking here in Bramhall.

"We need to ask customers to remember that shopping local is important and it's just a few minutes away to the next nearest car park."

UU said it is aiming to complete the work as soon as possible and that businesses in the precinct have been provided with a loss of profits form to fill in.

It also urged anyone eligible for a Blue Badge to apply to Stockport council for the pass which can be used to park on yellow lines for up to 3 hours in places where there is no loading ban in place.

During the works, traffic management systems may be used to keep workers and the public safe, and allow larger wagons to get in and out of the site safely.

Work on the Lumb Lane combined storm overflow is set to start in Summer 2025 and will take up to 12 months to complete.

Residents and businesses have been invited to find out more about both schemes at a second drop-in event on Thursday, January 16 2025 at Nook & Broom based at 9-11 Bramhall Lane South, Bramhall, Stockport, SK7 1AL, between 4pm and 7pm.

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