A Balham business owner says they have lost fifty per cent of their business since Tooting residents have stopped visiting following A24 changes and the LTN scheme.

Elizabeth Jones, owner of eco-friendly shop Natural For Baby in Balham, says that her shop's footfall and access to deliveries has been damaged significantly.

On the 17th August the LTN scheme was introduced in many of Wandsworth's neighbourhoods.

The scheme was controversial with many differing opinions from residents - but Elizabeth says it heavily affected her business.

"Customers from Tooting, Wimbledon and Mitcham seemed to stop coming altogether," Elizabeth told Nub News.

"At least half of my customers have been lost since the schemes. Not everyone would have driven, but the traffic has been so bad no one wants to travel to Balham - whether it's in a car or on the bus."

The new A24 changes, including cycle poles along the high way, has caused more problems for the business in the last week.

Elizabeth said: "I haven't had one cycling customer since we've had the poles put in and I usually have a lot.

"It clearly isn't encouraging cycling for the economy. I have seen so much dangerous cycling on the path - without helmets, reflectors and all sorts."

The cycling path also means that businesses along the road no longer have loading bays.

"Getting orders in to the shop is now more dangerous and difficult for us as a business," Elizabeth continued.

"The post office is shut as they're not able to operate which means even less foot fall in the area.

"I operate as a UPS access point and now the drivers are having to park across the road and then cross it.

"Couriers bringing my stock have no where to stop too, it makes it so dangerous for everyone."

Tooting Nub News has contacted TFL for a comment.

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