‘We’re still open for business’ – Staffordshire pub boss urges locals to back business hit by bridge closure

A Staffordshire entrepreneur, who invested more than £1m into bringing a derelict pub back to life, is urging people to back local businesses struggling with the impact of the canal bridge being closed in Brewood.

Billy Hutchinson, owner of The Lesters Arms on Kiddemore Green Road, says footfall has dropped by more than 30 per cent in the wake of road closures put in place to repair structural damage to the bridge.

He said he appreciates the Canal & Riverside Trust and Staffordshire County Council have had to act, but he wants ‘works’ to be completed as soon as possible and is calling for greater support for businesses hit by circumstances out of their control. He also wants to see more done to highlight that venues and companies are still very much ‘open for business’.

Mr Hutchinson said: “We rely heavily on ease of access for customers travelling from nearby towns and villages.

“Since the closure, many regular customers have simply stopped visiting because the journey has become confusing or considerably longer due to poor signage and the roads used for diversions not being suitable for increased volumes of traffic. For a hospitality business, this level of disruption is extremely damaging.

“It’s tough, especially with the rise in energy prices and other changes to employment costs. However, we’re 100 per cent committed to building on what has been a hugely successful first two years for The Lesters Arms, which has seen us become one of the go-to gourmet pub and restaurants for great drinks, creative food and special events.

“We believe we’ve created something special - bringing in the most talented chefs, creating tasty menus that celebrate the best of local produce and delivering a welcoming environment for drinks and a great place to catch-up with friends and family.”

Billy has welcomed the council’s actions to improve diversion signs to make it easier for visitors to find local businesses but he has asked for more regular communication updates so affected owners can understand repair progress and expected timelines.

He also believes affected companies should be considered for temporary support measures should the disruption continue for an extended period.

Billy added: “20 full and part-time jobs in Brewood have been created since we launched, and this is just the start – there’s so many exciting plans we’ve got to take The Lesters Arms to the next level.

“We just need to get through the bridge closure, and we can do that with the support of the council and local people. “

He said Kiddemore Green Road - from Bishops Wood - is open all the way to the pub, as he urged people to “come along and see what we’ve got to offer”.

The Lesters Arms, which is open six days per week, can seat up to 60 guests inside and tens more in the large outdoor space and garden that overlooks countryside.

Mr Hutchinson said: “Special events are planned until the end of the year, from live England game screenings to themed evenings and seasonal promotions across the coming months.”

The Canal & River Trust said it has developed and submitted a design proposal for repairs to Brewood Bridge to Staffordshire County Council and added that it is working closely with the council to secure formal approval.

A spokesperson for the trust said: “We know how important this route is to the local community and recognise the disruption the closure has caused. From the outset, we have been clear that we are aiming to begin repairs in the summer, and we’re continuing to work towards that while ensuring the right long-term solution is agreed.

“We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding. Our proposed solution involves installing structural steel piles beneath the road to support a new wall. We are preparing so that work can begin as soon as approval is granted, with confirmed timescales to follow once the design is agreed.”