Traders in Abbey Wood have blamed the constant disruptions from ongoing Crossrail works for the lack of footfall in the village's high street.

The rail project, which is now running approximately one year behind schedule, will see the Elizabeth line run through the new Abbey Wood station, offering passengers a more direct route into central London.

However, shop owners within Abbey Wood say the ongoing road closures due to continued works are having a detrimental effect on their businesses.

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Chairperson for the Abbey Wood Village Traders Association, Nim Bhadare explained the works are driving people away from shopping on the high street and shops are losing out on vital business.

"The construction works at Abbey Wood has resulted in road closures and parking bay closures meaning people don’t want to come to the high street but rather go out of area.

"We have a great selection of shops run by some fantastic people, many of whom have been in The Village for many years.

"This is an iconic area and our aim is to get more people back to The Village and supporting local businesses again."

The shared concern for their high street has inspired the group to come up with a creative solution to getting shoppers back spending in local businesses, hence the creation of the Abbey Wood Village Food & Craft Market.

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With the first one launched last September, the now-quarterly market sees a variety of vendors selling their wares from food and drink to beauty and craft products.

Catherine Molnar, manager for CC Events UK, which runs the event, said: "Our first two markets have been a huge success.

"We want to attract local and out-of-area people to Abbey Wood Village to not only experience a great food and craft market, but to rejuvenate this great street again.

"Our visitors have expressed delight in previous markets and our March event will be bigger and better.

"We want to thank everyone who has supported our market."

The next Abbey Wood Village Food & Craft Market is set for Saturday, March 9 in Wilton Road between 11am and 4pm.