News
2010-09-06 : Traders Angry at Disruption Caused by Road Improvements
More than 50 traders in Oxford have signed a petition calling for a rebate on their business rates, claiming a £2 million road improvement scheme has dramatically reduced their custom. The traders say business has dropped since the works began in May. The scheme will provide wider pavements, with new benches and bins and is on schedule to finish in November.
One shop owner said trade was so bad during these roadworks that they thought about closing the business and relocating. Another owner said his bin collections have been missed from his business due to the disruption.
A spokesman for the council said they have tried where possible to minimise the inconvenience that a major project like this has caused.
Relief can be claimed on the rates in these circumstances by applying to the Valuation Office for a material change in circumstances (MCC). The relief is discretionary but Ruddle Merz have had great success in obtaining MCC relief for their clients. Please contact us on 0800 883 0353 or email us at enquiries@ruddlemerz.co.uk to see what we can do for your business.
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