PROPOSED drainage works outside Shoprite in Victoria Road have been postponed after the shop said they would cause "major disruption".
The Department of Infrastructure and the Water and Sewerage Authority had intended to start work this Saturday, April 2.
The work involved constructing new manholes and laying pipes to separate surface water from the foul drainage system, on the section of road between the junction of Glencrutchery Road and the roundabout the entrance of Shoprite.
On completion of these drainage works the road was to be resurfaced including new kerbs and footpath reconstruction and resurfacing.
For these works to be carried out safely the road would have been closed to vehicles until mid July, with the exception of a two week break for Easter and a two week break for TT.
However following discussions with Shoprite and MHK’s Graham Cregeen and Tim Crookall the works have now been postponed.
Graham Cregeen MHK, infrastructure member with responsibility for operations, said: "When Mr Crookall and I became aware that, unfortunately, appropriate consultation had not taken place with Shoprite, we initiated discussions with Shoprite to listen to their concerns.
"We understand the impact that this work will have at this time. The department is always willing to consult and listen to the community and on this occasion I believe delaying the work until later in the year will give Shoprite, and other businesses and local residents, the time they need to mitigate the effects on their business when we do undertake the work.
"I have now asked officers to draft up a more robust consultation process for future use."
Andrew Thomas, chief executive of Shoprite, said: "We felt that the proposed work would cause some major disruption to the store and our customers during a particularly busy trading period.
"We raised our concerns and were really pleased with the immediate response from MHK's Graham Cregeen and Tim Crookall.
"I am delighted that this situation was quickly resolved and we look forward to working with the Department of Infrastructure and the Water and Sewage authority to resolve any problems in the best manner for all parties."
It is hoped that the proposed works will be carried out later in the year. Residents will be advised as soon as possible as to when this will be. The department has also agreed to review the scope of the works to minimise the length of the necessary closure period.
