Several businesses have been hit hard by last month’s unannounced closure of the northern side of the footpath in Harbour Drive, which is being reconstructed to comply with City of Coffs Harbour requirements.

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The work has restricted access to a number of retailers and service providers fronting Harbour Drive and in the nearby arcade.

Love and Kisses proprietor Judy Sheehan stressed she did not want to be seen as a complainer, but said the works were having a “profound” effect on her business, which has been running at the western end of the city centre for nearly nineteen years.

“For more than two years we’ve only had half a footpath, until about three weeks ago when they blocked off the whole footpath,” Ms Sheehan said.

“I just about sat down and cried when they put up the latest fence.

“Foot traffic is practically non-existent. Most people are surprised when they find we’re still open.

“We only just survived COVID; I’m not sure if we can survive CODA.”

She said she was disappointed there had been no consultation or notification about the footpath closure: “I just came in one day and there it was”.

One operator, who requested anonymity, said returns were down by about 50 percent since safety fencing blocking the footpath was erected.

“I understand people are hurting but what can you do about it? You just have to be prepared to put up with it,” the operator said.

“Business has died but we can’t do anything about it, we can’t change anything. We just have to hope it will pick up again.”

C.ex Group Chief Executive Officer John Rafferty said the footpath reconstruction should be completed by the end of this month, with building construction expected to be finished in February 2025.

“I feel sorry for the people whose businesses are affected,” Mr Rafferty said.

“It’s one of those things; we’ve got to get it done at some time.

“You’re damned if you do and damned if you don’t.

“Do we want progress or do we want the town to die? This will revitalise and activate the town centre.

“The whole precinct is going to be much better.”

Regarding notification of businesses, he said C.ex had complied with all conditions in its development approval.

Mr Rafferty said nearby businesses had benefited from the 100-plus workers on site spending money over the duration of the project, and would benefit further when 250 residents moved into development in the new year.

By Mike HELY