Shropshire pub's trade 'hit after roadworks closure'
Major roadworks are affecting a rural Shropshire pub which has suffered a loss in trade since they started, a businessman has claimed.
Paul Fletcher, who owns the Sun Inn in Welshampton, near Ellesmere, said his business has been hit by the closure of the A495.
Mr Fletcher said: "It has affected us in the day time.
"That is because we have a lot of families and people who pop in on their way to Ellesmere and we also have regular customers who stop by on the way to Gobowen.
"The diversion takes people completely out of the way.
"We have all noticed the lunchtime trade has dropped considerably.
"It hasn't had so much of an impact in the evenings but we might start to see that impacted upon in the next week or so.
"It has been a hassle but all we can do is wait and see."
Shropshire Council said the road will be closed until June 19 to allow "essential works" to take place to replace a safety barrier following a traffic collision.
"The continued safety risk at this location was the major factor involved in the decision," the council said in a statement.
"Temporary traffic signals have been in place since the incident occurred, as other ongoing works in the area effectively stopped the road from being closed to carry out the work.
"This, in itself is a risk as the longer the signals remain in place the likelihood of an incident increases. Also, due to the complexity of the works, specialist plant and materials have needed to be obtained – if the work is postponed to a later date there is no certainty that these will be available.
"This is therefore the first opportunity to carry out the works and, unfortunately, the depth and scope of the excavation required means that there will be limited carriageway width to maintain any vehicular access past the works although pedestrian and dismounted cyclist access will be maintained throughout the duration of the works."
The statement added: "Local stakeholders have been informed of the closure including all emergency services and affected transport operators. Shropshire Councils Integrated Transport Unit are aware and have been liaising with school bus operators in an attempt to minimise any disruption and finalise alternative arrangements."
