TEN days into a major overhaul of Johnston’s Bridge in Enniskillen and the impact of the project is not just being felt in the long tailbacks throughout town but in many shops as well.

With the A32 Cornagrade Road closed to southern bound traffic a diversion is in operation via A32 Irvinestown Road, A32 Forthill Street, Gaol Square, A4 Friths Pass and the Wellington Road.

But the £500,000 bridge strengthening scheme has this week been criticised by shop workers who say it is putting pressure on their businesses and customers.

Yvonne Cunningham, the manager of Lakeland Pharmacy on the Cornagrade Road, says she is concerned about the health and well-being of her customers, including many pensioners.

“We have a lot of prescriptions that have not been collected which includes essential medications for conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, blood pressure and mental health. The consequences of not taking them is ultimately life threatening,” she warned.

Ms. Cunningham believes there are “very real implications” as a result of the traffic jams which could last until October if Transport Northern Ireland proceed with additional work on the same road.

“I understand that on Friday a GP was sitting for over 45 minutes in traffic trying to make a home visit and at that stage was still nowhere near the home. The added stress of not knowing if you will make it to collect your medication on time also has an impact on health,” she said, adding: “Four months of this would be disastrous for some businesses. There is bound to be a better solution.” Ronan Reilly, the proprietor of Reilly’s of Enniskillen, says he has lost business over the last week.

“It’s bad both ways; people coming here, and for us going west of the county for deliveries. We have had to adapt to it so our man takes the van home with him. We’ve had to make that change. There has been a severe loss of business to me personally. There seems to be no urgency to get the job done. I would say get it done quickly, work all hours to get the job done,” he said.

Michael Collins, the manager of IMC Cinema in Enniskillen, now has to cycle into work in a bid to beat the traffic and arrive on work on time.

“I can’t arrive late. I have to be here and can’t take the chance. After last Monday there was no option but to make an alternative plans so I got on the bike. I have informed all the staff that they have to make alternative arrangements to arrive here on time,” he said, recalling that the impact of the congestion “was almost immediate on the first day of the work.” “We had a lot of schools in last week from all areas of Fermanagh. One school actually took the option of walking here and they had 200 to 300 children. Listening to the customers the biggest problem is running late and we have had many people missing the start of movies. You can’t be late for a movie. It starts, it’s an automated system and I can’t hold it back. If 20 people have come on time and the other 200 are late you can’t hold it back,” he said.

Mr. Collins is calling on Transport Northern Ireland to review the flow of traffic going into town.

“When people are going into town they are coming to do something, such as go to the dentist, or the bank, or bringing the kids to school. They are going to a place at a time. The journey into town is more pressurised so they need to review the flow of traffic,” he said.

Anita McAloon, who works at The Roadhouse on the Kilmacormick road, said: “I have noticed the problems. People don’t want to be stuck in traffic for any longer than they should be. They [Transport Northern Ireland] need to do something to ease the traffic flow.” “People are complaining when they come in here,” added Roadhouse barman Matthew O’Dee.

Butcher Fergal Beattie of Riverside Meats says his business was affected “straight away.” “I am finding that people don’t want to come in because of the traffic. You would miss the weekly trade. I think people are put off by what’s going on. It hit trade last Monday straight away and business was down. It’s worrying, it really is,” said Mr. Beattie.

A spokesman from Transport Northern Ireland said: “Work on the £500,000 investment scheme to improve Johnston Bridges in Enniskillen began on 22 June and is expected to last until October. Transport NI would remind drivers that the bridge remains open to northbound traffic, however, traffic patterns do take time to adjust to any change in the network. Once flows become stabilised any necessary adjustments, such as modifying the timings of traffic signals, will be carried out.

“The improvements are essential to ensure that Johnston Bridges are fit for purpose for many years to come. The Department regrets the unavoidable disruption during the works. Drivers should expect delays and are advice to allow additional time when travelling in the area.”