A Holmfirth shop owner has announced plans to close her business next month following a significant decline in takings, which she attributes to ongoing council roadworks in the town centre. Mary McGuigan, who runs the plant shop Plants in the Holme, opened the business around three years ago and enjoyed steady trade until recent months.

The downturn in customers coincided with the start of a council project aimed at widening the pavement and installing new kerbs along Market Walk, near her shop. The construction has involved plastic barriers and the temporary closure of two pedestrian crossings, measures which Mary says have drastically reduced foot traffic past her premises. During one three-day stretch in February, the shop recorded zero visitors and no sales.

Mary described the immediate surroundings as looking and feeling like a “building site,” with constant noise and dust deterring potential shoppers. Speaking to Yorkshire Live, she said, “It’s a bit soul destroying… I understand why people are avoiding the area. It looks like a building site.” She also noted, “I have seen people covering their mouths with their jumpers because it (dust) is so bad.”

The disruption has not just affected her business; Mary believes other local traders are also struggling amid the extended works. She has contacted Kirklees Council through the local business association and reached out to contractors but has yet to receive a response. Mary suggested the project is taking longer than necessary and expressed frustration over the lack of any compensation for the impact on businesses.

Citing the ongoing disruption and its effect on her shop’s financial viability, Mary has decided to close Plants in the Holme at the end of May when her lease expires. In a social media post, she attributed the closure directly to the Holmfirth town centre redevelopment, stating, “The final straw was the closure of both pedestrian crossings at the same time alongside the foot paths in very close proximity to my shop. This killed off most footfall to my business, which is entirely reliant on footfall. Not to mention that this ongoing disruption is due to continue into 2026 in some form or another. No compensation was provided for this disruption.” She thanked her customers and supportive local businesses as she prepares to close.

In response, Councillor Munir Ahmed, Cabinet member for environment and highways, expressed regret over the shop’s closure but emphasised the long-term benefits of the improvement scheme. He noted, “Our plans for Holmfirth town centre are deeply rooted in helping local businesses succeed and thrive, but we do appreciate that improvement schemes can cause disruption, and that some businesses have faced challenges as a result.”

Councillor Ahmed outlined that the works are designed to enhance accessibility and safety, reduce traffic congestion, and introduce electric vehicle charging points, cycling facilities, and new public event spaces. He added, “While pedestrian crossings were closed for safety reasons, temporary crossings, and pedestrian diversion routes were in place to make sure people could still access facilities on either side of the highway. We’ve also taken on board feedback from businesses in the town centre, and introduced additional short-stay parking at the Council Office car park next to the library while works continue.”

The council official reassured the public about ongoing parking availability and normal operation of bus services, albeit with some route diversions. He concluded, “We’re very committed to supporting local businesses, and I hope that residents and visitors will continue to visit Holmfirth town centre and enjoy and support the incredible independent retail and leisure scene that makes this beautiful town so unique. Once completed, the changes we’re undertaking in Holmfirth right now will make the town centre better and easier to access than ever.”

Source: Noah Wire Services