 BUSINESSES in Liverpool hit by the Big Dig should be compensated by the city council, it was claimed today. Small firms champion the Forum of Private Business says major city centre roadworks in the build up to Capital of Culture are playing havoc with retailers. Len Collinson, Merseyside-based chairman of the FPB which has 25,000 members nationwide, said: "The Big Dig is the big disaster as far as city centre retailers are concerned. "Digging up the roads may bea good thing for Liverpool's future, but they're digging the graves of local shops which are losing trade because people are discouraged from coming into the city centre. "Small businesses should be compensated for their losses." He said the council has failed to recognise the scale of the impact on city centre businesses. He added: "Small businesses in Liverpool shouldn't be paying a price for the regeneration of the city, welcome though it is." Department store Lewis's, in Ranelagh Street, supported the call for compensation. Lewis ' s chairman David Thompson said: "I absolutely back any claim for compensation. I estimate the big dig has cost us £1.5m." A council spokesman said: "No local authority pays out when there is disruption caused by roadworks and especially when those roadworks are part of a regeneration scheme that will massively increase visitors and footfall in the city for the benefit of retailers." neilhodgson@liverpoolecho.co.uk And there's more on the way By NICK COLIGAN, Liverpool Echo MOTORISTS are facing more roadworks and diversions as the latest stage of the Big Dig starts. Fresh congestion misery is likely as drivers get used to changes around Seymour Street and Copperas Hill, off Lime Street. The aim is to introduce two-way traffic to Seymour Street, permanently remove vehicles from St Vincent Way, and improve the condition of Copperas Hill. Roadworks will start on Monday and are not due to finish until the winter. They are the latest phase of the City Centre Movement Strategy, a £73m scheme to make it easier for vehicles and pedestrians to get around. The much-criticised project has seen several city centre roads dug up for long periods of time, confusing motorists and leaving some shopkeepers out of pocket. Ongoing works in Renshaw Street and Berry Street have sparked complaints from stores, some of which have issued reminders to customers that they are still open for business. This latest phase should make the junction of London Road and Seymour Street easier for motorists to negotiate. It will also open up the site of the former Swan pub for new development. Cllr Peter Millea, Liverpool council's executive member for regeneration, said: "These works will create vast improvements to pedestrian movement, traffic flow and public transport." nickcoligan@liverpoolecho.co.uk Latest changes for city centre drivers > > > | 
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