Dereham roadworks: Railway Tavern fears closure over impact

Paul Sandford of Dereham's Railway Tavern said if the lack of footfall continued because of the ongoing works his 15-year-old business may no longer be viable.

Paul Sandford, the landlord of the Railway Tavern (Image: Archant)

He said: “If those barriers are still here Easter weekend, it will be the end of my business, simple as that. 

“I’ve got 16 jobs on the line, and right now I cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel.

"To see your business being ripped away from you is heartbreaking.”

Mr Sandford has voiced his concerns Phillip Duigan, county councillor for Dereham Toftwood.

The barriers outside the Railway Tavern, on Yaxham Road, Dereham (Image: Harry Clarke)

Mr Duigan said he hoped something could be done to help the Railway Tavern and other businesses.

He said: “I spoke to Paul and he told me of his concerns the works were having on his and neighbouring businesses and the lack of adequate warning of the works. 

“As a result, I contacted Grahame Bygrave, director of highways transport and waste.

"Subsequently, Navid Afshar, head of highways design and development has spoken to Paul, and members of his team will take up the issues.”

Mr Sandford said yesterday [March 28] he opened at 11am and only saw two customers by 2pm.

He said he has been closing early because so few customers meant he was losing money by opening. 

Philip Duigan (Image: Archant)

Mr Sandford said he was hoping to get business owners together in Dereham to call for more direct action over the works.

The project started on March 21 and were due to last for five weeks.

A county council spokesman said: “While these works are necessary, as the existing footway has reached the end of its serviceable life and requires reconstruction, we do regret the unavoidable impact on residents and highways users in the area."