A BUSINESS owner furious with the flooding alerts which he claims are having a negative impact on his business has today hit out at St Helens Council telling them to "hang your head in shame".

This morning St Helens Council issued a traffic warning saying: "Peasley Cross Lane and College Street closed due to flooding. Please use alternative routes."

College Street, one of the main arteries in and out of St Helens town centre, has been a flooding hotspot, but the owner of Stone Tyres, John Stone, says the issue hits his business each time they issue warnings, as people do not think his business is open and are being told to avoid the area.

This morning he took to Stone Tyres Facebook Page to vocalise his upset at this most recent traffic alert.

He said: “I’d just like to clarify that the council have put out that College Street is closed in both directions and as you can see we are open, although the road is like a ghost town.

“What it should say is that College Street is closed at Gerards Park Bridge and businesses are open as usual.

“Well done St Helens Council, yet again failing your local businesses, I’m at my wits end with you there is no other way to describe it.

“You see fit to spend £930 a day hiring external consultants to come up with strategies to improve the town centre, I’ve got an idea for you, keep the roads clear to come in and out of the town centre.

“All you need to do is dredge that canal by the bottom by the bridge, we’ve been telling you time, and time, and time again, but will you listen? No.

“Last time the St Helens Star got involved and asked you for a comment you said, “we are working on a solution”, there is your solution.

St Helens Star:

A picture of College Street during the last flooding

incident“You’ve put Facebook posts out saying College Street closed in both directions, find alternative route, we’re open for business and there are over 30 businesses open as usual.

“You’re putting road signs up saying road closure ahead with not a single mention of the businesses that are open.

“St Helens Council hang your head in shame.”

The post has been shared 360 times on Facebook.

In response, a council spokesperson said: “We understand and appreciate the comments on this issue. While our main priority in these instances is to divert motorists from road closures as soon as possible, we will bear businesses in mind when issuing future traffic alerts.

“When flooding at the bridge on College Street does happen, there is no immediate risk of damage to nearby properties. Both the Environment Agency and St Helens must prioritise our work on rivers so that it reduces flood damage risk for people, homes and businesses.

"Funding is limited and we therefore have to focus our resources where they’re most needed. However, we are conscious of the inconvenience and disruption that can be caused due to the flooding in this area.

"In recent years, St Helens Council has conducted desilting works in the area and the Environment Agency has undertaken channel clearance that has improved the situation.

"The council and the EA will be working together to carry out similar works to improve river flows which will hopefully alleviate some of the problems.”