'Roadworks costs us trade,' pub owners say (From Essex County Standard)

'Roadworks costs us trade,' pub owners say

1:20pm Thursday 7th March 2013 in News

STAFF at a village pub say unnecessary roadworks have cost the bar a day’s trade.

UK Power Network engineers took over Rowhedge High Street yesterday morning after the village was hit by a power cut.

But instead of just sealing off the small area where work on a faulty cable was taking place, motorists faced delays when temporary traffic lights were set up outside the Anchor Pub.

About 30 yellow cones also blocked off High Street parking, which meant the pub and restaurant’s customers had nowhere to leave their cars.

Heather Spurgeon, assistant manager, said: “Our trade has really been affected by this, which is very annoying.

“They have blocked off half of the High Street and it is bad enough for parking as it is.

“It is even more important for our disabled customers or those who don’t know the area.

“At least if you’re from around here, you might be able to find somewhere else but if you’re not then it’s trouble and we’ve lost a customer.”

Mike Lilley, borough councillor for Rowhedge, added: “This is just complete overkill for such a small job.

“I don’t see why they had to put in traffic lights, it is not as if our village high street is a thoroughfare and you would have to manage traffic.”

A UK Power Networks spokeswoman said: “We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused by the roadworks.

“We are keen to resolve the problem which caused a short power cut on Monday night, affecting 359 customers for eight minutes from 6.52pm to 7pm.

“Some further customers had their supplies restored within just two minutes.”