Passing trade boost for Soho - phone call to WEE ensures sign goes up at Crossrail construction site

Published: 24 June 2011
by JOSH LOEB

WHAT a difference a phone call from the West End’s best local newspaper makes. 

Restaurateurs in Dean Street and Great Chapel Street, Soho, claim their takings have plummeted owing to a decline in passing trade because of the Crossrail construction works.

Two weeks ago they complained to the West End Extra that managers of the giant rail project had failed to erect a long-promised sign advertising the area to passers-by. 

After this newspaper contacted Crossrail to ask why the signage had not yet been installed the organisation pledged to act quickly.

What was once an unenticing hoarding was this week made more attractive by way of this sign (pictured), which will help draw in people from neighbouring Hollen Street and Wardour Street.

On Tuesday Crossrail’s programme director Andy Mitchell toured the area around the construction site and on Wednesday he announced an initiative to brighten up hoardings with the help of local artists.

Mr Mitchell said: “Both myself and Crossrail’s chairman have visited the area on separate occasions this week to meet with the community. We now have a very good understanding of the issues facing individual businesses and residents in the Dean Street area. New signage to promote the area is now in place and we will be working with businesses to improve the appearance of the current site hoardings.”