'Hidden gem’ Staffordshire destination remains open as major bridge refurbishment starts nearby

A ‘hidden gem’ Staffordshire visitor destination is letting regulars and potential new customers know that it’s business as usual seven days a week as a major bridge refurbishment project starts nearby.

Bishton Hall, just off the A51 at Wolseley Bridge near Little Haywood, is a thriving hub of independent traders, with picturesque gardens without admission cost and free parking.

The dog-friendly venue hosts a tearoom, antique valuer, antique and collectible shop, gift shop, dog groomer, gin distillery and more.

Now, Staffordshire County Council’s highways team has started an extensive 24-week refurbishment of the nearby canal bridge which carries the A51 towards the A513 junction. Works will include a new beam installation, repairing walls and resurfacing – strengthening and protecting it for years to come.

The scheme has been scheduled to take in the school summer holidays to minimise disruption, while temporary traffic lights ensure the road remains open.

A short section of Bishton Lane close to the bridge is closed while work takes place, but Bishton Hall can be accessed via the main junction onto Bellamour Lane as usual.

Hollie Stansfield, who has been commercial manager at Bishton Hall for four years, said it was vital that people knew the venue remained open seven days a week as normal throughout the works.

She said: “I love working here at Bishton Hall. We have so many fantastic independent businesses, and the courtyard is now fully occupied. We’re also home to Hansons Auctioneers and Valuers. We offer a relaxed and enjoyable morning or afternoon out in beautiful surroundings, with our grounds and gardens open free of charge.

“Our fantastic Sparrow’s Tearoom in the courtyard has built up a loyal customer base, and as a visitor destination that’s still growing, we want everyone to know that we’re here, we’re open, and we’re ready to welcome you. Everything remains fully accessible, and signage is in place near the works to help visitors find us with ease.

We also continue to offer our weekly valuation days with Hansons Auctioneers and Valuers which are taking place as normal despite the road closure, so please do pop along with your treasures.”

Patrick Allen, Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet support member for highways, said: “It’s been great to visit Bishton Hall and see so many thriving small businesses here at an attractive visitor location.

“We’ve now started a comprehensive refurbishment of nearby Wolseley canal bridge which is an essential job, but we want to let everyone know that they can access all businesses as usual. The project team has placed signs near the works site to inform motorists of this. Our priority is to ensure we have roads maintained to the highest standard for businesses and communities.

“We don’t want any business, especially those off our main routes, to be impacted by works and so we’d encourage people to visit what is a hidden gem of a Staffordshire visitor attraction.

“While some delays are unfortunately inevitable, every effort has been made to minimise disruption by scheduling through the schools summer holidays and traffic management methods. We’d like to thank people for their understanding while work is carried out.”