Gallows Corner roundabout and flyover shut to all traffic last Monday (June 23), having a knock-on impact on traffic in the surrounding roads and access to businesses near the junction.
As a result, a couple of businesses – Wax On car wash and Gallows Corner Motors – have been forced to close completely during the works, while others have been left with “uncertainty” over how deliveries and customers will reach them.
The Recorder caught up with some businesses near the junction after the first week of the months-long closure.
The closure of Gallows Corner has been really tough for some businesses (Image: Peter Barrett)
READ MORE: Gallows Corner closure delays Havering rubbish collection
Colin Chapman, manager at Easy Bathrooms, said the closure has been “really, really tough” so far, but that it has shown who their dedicated customers are.
He told the Recorder: “It’s obviously been quiet but we are trying to keep our head above water.
“We’ve still got trade and business people coming in, but what we’re finding is that it has exposed our genuine customers who will want to come in and buy products.
“We’re not getting the perusals and browsing – or not as many.”
Customers can still access Easy Bathrooms – which is on the A127 – via the Avenue Industrial Estate but many have been put off visiting due to the traffic adding extra time to their journeys, Colin thinks.
But the staff are staying positive – Colin said “we’ll do our very best” whatever the closure brings.
Other businesses which are less visible – such as Gallows Corner MOTs which is round the back of The Parade along the A127 – have had issues with customers knowing how to access them.
An MOT tester said the garage has been “struggling”.
He said: “Customers don’t know what to do, they don’t know how to get to us.
“It’s really, really a problem.”
New businesses in the area have also taken a hit to their revenue, such as Rockchase Sports in Bryant Avenue.
The indoor cricket centre and store only opened in October 2024, but the Gallows Corner closure has now “completely dried up our sales”, said director Rehman Saeed.
“The closure has had a significant and very damaging impact on our business,” Rehman told the Recorder.
“Since the partial closure in May, and now with the full closure in place, we’ve seen a dramatic drop in attendance [to coaching sessions].”
“Block bookings have been cancelled, regular members are struggling to access the venue, and new visitors have simply stopped coming.”
READ MORE: Gallows Corner closure: Businesses can apply for rates cut
He added that he “can not foresee any financial support” being provided by Transport for London (TfL), despite Hornchurch and Upminster MP Julia Lopez raising the issue.
TfL previously told the Recorder: “We’ve worked to minimise the impact of the work as much as possible and we’re very sorry for any disruption to local residents and businesses.
“Road closures are unfortunately necessary for this vital work to take place and we’re working hard to finish the complete renewal of the flyover by September.”
