Gallows Corner Reopening “Too Late” for Some Businesses as Closure Nears End

Transport for London’s confirmation that Gallows Corner will reopen to general traffic by the end of April has been welcomed cautiously by residents — but for some local businesses, the announcement has come too late.

The major refurbishment of the Romford roundabout and flyover was first announced in February last year, with construction beginning in June 2025. Originally scheduled for completion in September, the works were later pushed back to Spring 2026. TfL last week confirmed traffic would be able to use the junction again by the end of April.

For traders operating near the junction, however, months of disruption have taken a heavy toll.

“It’s Been a Farce”

Rehman Saeed, who opened Rockchase Sports — an indoor cricket centre — in October 2024, said he had no prior knowledge of the scale of the upcoming roadworks when he signed his lease.

During what should be peak half-term activity, the facility stood empty.

“These works have impacted us heavily,” he said. “Our peak period is from September to the end of April — we rely on customers repeatedly coming every week to train for their upcoming summer cricket.

“What’s happened is people come here once and because of all these road closures and traffic they don’t want to come again. We’ve lost up to 50 per cent of our sales in the peak season. This place should be swamped right now.”

He said the repeated delays have eroded confidence.

“We would never have taken this site if we knew what was going to happen. It’s dragged on from an initial three months to the end of April — but I don’t believe that. I’ve lost all my faith.”

Next door, Rapid Mechanical Services will close permanently at the end of February. Owner Dave Thompson said his business has declined sharply since the works began.

“Since June it’s been poor — business has been going down. People don’t want to come into the area, and couriers are struggling to deliver parts,” he said.

“We’ve gone down by 67 per cent. The business can’t sustain itself any longer so on Friday we’re shutting the doors.

“It’s too late — far too late.”

Rate Relief “Too Little, Too Late”

Following complaints from traders, Havering Council and TfL offered temporary business rates relief last month. But several owners say the measure has not been enough to offset lost revenue.

Costy Croitoriu, owner of Rendmaster building supplies, warned further delays could prove fatal.

“If it is delayed much longer, we may have no option but to close down,” he said. “People have stopped coming here as they don’t want to spend an hour in traffic. This is affecting everyone locally.”

The junction — a critical connection point in East London — has seen heavy congestion on surrounding routes during the closure. Many businesses say customers have simply chosen to avoid the area altogether.

Political Pressure Mounts

Keith Prince, London Assembly Member for the area, described the disruption as “absolutely massive”.

“Nobody is able to get here. It’s destroyed their Christmas trade — they’ve been absolutely decimated,” he said.

“The announcement is typical TfL — too little, too late. Some of the problem isn’t them — it’s Essex and Suffolk Water — but this has been an absolute shambles and businesses are in trouble.”

Julia Lopez, MP for the constituency, said the prolonged project had become “a nightmare” for residents and traders alike.

“I’m pleased that after continual lobbying and correspondence with TfL, we now have a firm timetable for completion,” she said.

“However, residents and businesses will still be sceptical about the completion date until they see the project delivered for themselves.”

Essential but Costly

TfL has said the works are necessary to ensure the flyover can “safely carry heavy vehicles again”, describing the renewal as essential to the long-term reliability of a key junction in Havering.

Delays were partly attributed to complications encountered by Essex and Suffolk Water during water main replacement works, including unexpected ground conditions.

Concerns have already been raised about future disruption, with planned works on the Lodge Avenue flyover in Barking due later this year.

In November 2025, the Mayor of London apologised for the continued disruption but maintained TfL was providing support to affected businesses.

For some traders at Gallows Corner, however, the reopening — when it comes — will mark recovery for the area, but not for them.