Pub landlord at 'wits end' as roadworks mean no one can get to his boozer

22 June 2023 , 21:09

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Steve Kirk, who usually raises more than £2,000 for the Royal British Legion at the event, is at his wits' end because of the roadworks (Image: Steve Kirk)

A furious pub landlord has said roadworks and barriers blocking his business have cost him months of custom.

Steve Kirk, landlord of The Neptune pub in Derby, is now despairing after one of his biggest charity fundraising events - Armed Forces Day on June 24 - could be affected.

He claims footfall has drastically fallen since barriers were erected outside the pub, adding that deliveries cannot gain access, reports Derbyshire Live.

Mr Kirk, who usually raises more than £2,000 for the Royal British Legion at the event, is at his wits' end because of the roadworks - part of a project in St Peter's Street and Babington Lane - creating wider cycle lanes, better cycle parking, and improved crossings - which he says were due to finish at the end of April but now he has been told it will be at least the end of July.

He said: "The work has been taking place for months but about four weeks ago the barriers were moved further up The Spot right in front of the pub and since then takings have been down as I have lost 95 per cent of the normal footfall on this side of the road.

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The roadworks have been in place for a number of months (Steve Kirk)

"People will not bother trying to find a way in if the direct route to the front door is blocked, especially from the Derbion shopping centre.

"Anyone coming out of the shopping centre is directed to the right down St Peter's Street and then would have to go as far as Babington Lane to make their way back up to the pub. It's the same if they go left they have to walk right up Osmaston Road, to walk back down again.

"Also the bus stop has been removed and so no one is getting off the bus near the pub and of course people like stag parties who always drop in on Saturday nights aren't calling because they can't get to the door without walking down or up the street and are directed to the other side of The Spot. Even the regulars are saying what a hassle it all is.

But I am especially worried about this Saturday. The pub is ready, the flags are up and we usually have a really good day but I am worried if this does not get sorted what impact it will have, especially with the beer situation."

The brewery attempted to deliver on Tuesday initially but refused when they realised they would have to roll the barrels down the road for about 50 yards.

They arrived on Thursday and again refused and they have said they will come back again on Friday to see if things have improved and bring a metal ramp, although Mr Kirk is unsure what that will do.

The roadworks now include barriers outside the pub entrance (Steve Kirk)

Mr Kirk added: "I have tried to get the council to see what is happening and also to see if there is a compensation scheme for the businesses in this area that are being affected.

"A couple of councillors have tried to get something done but to no avail. We have disabled customers who are upset because they are having to walk an extra 100 yards or more just to get into the pub.

"So far I have had one email from the city council suggesting they provide some 'business open as usual' signs but everyone knows the business is open - they just can't get to it. They are suggesting tweaks to barriers but they would have to move the lot to make a difference. I've told them I am here if they want to see for themselves but so far no one has been. It's nonsense. Nothing will make up for the lost trade unless we are compensated."

"I have really worked hard since Covid to make sure the business builds up again but this has been a bitter blow. We usually get so many visitors on Armed Forces Day as well as regulars, the pub is really buzzing. I hope we get the beer delivery and people really put themselves out to come along despite the roadworks. In the meantime, I have had to go out and purchase beer from elsewhere to make sure we have some, which has cost me extra money."

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A Derby City Council spokesman said: "The project team has been in contact with the landlord of the Neptune pub and is arranging a site visit to discuss any disruptions further and to see if it’s possible to make any changes to the current barriers or display extra signs.

"Whenever necessary improvement works take place, a small amount of temporary disruption unfortunately occurs. However, we work proactively to mitigate this by maintaining regular contact with affected businesses and working in partnership with them.

"The works taking place around St Peter’s Street, Gower Street and Babington Lane are to install a series of upgrades to streets and footpaths which will make active travel, such as walking and cycling, easier for citizens.

"These works also aim to make the area more accessible for wheelchair and mobility scooter users by widening pavements, removing unnecessary street furniture, and creating new Blue Badge holder parking bays on Gower Street."

Zena Hawley