MP for South Norfolk wants SugarBeat to get compensation

Ben Goldsborough, MP for South Norfolk, pledged to help Stevie King - the owner of the SugarBeat Eating House in Swainsthorpe - receive a payout after reading in this newspaper about how his trade has plummeted since roadworks started near the site in February.

MP Goldsborough teamed up with Daniel Elmer, leader of South Norfolk Council, to help Mr King and other businesses affected by the work along the A140, which is being carried out by Power Systems UK - a sub-contractor for EDF Energy.

Stevie King, owner of the SugarBeat Eating House, is concerned about the impact road works are having on his business (Image: Sonya Duncan, Newsquest)

MP Goldsborough said: "I was struck by just how badly the ongoing roadworks have affected trade.

"I'm calling for proper compensation to be paid to the SugarBeat and other local businesses that have been seriously undermined.

"All too often we see the powers that be try to ride roughshod over small businesses - I will not have it.

"I use the A140 regularly and see how much of a nightmare these roadworks have become.

The roadworks started in February and are expected to last until September (Image: Sonya Duncan, Newsquest)

"It's not just an inconvenience - it's a real threat to livelihoods and the disruption has gone on for far too long."

Mr King added: "It was a relief to finally sit down to talk through the impact the A140 roadworks are having on, not only ourselves, but the other businesses here.

"There's nothing more worrying than having the viability of your business taken away from you through no fault of your own.

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"Having the main entrance to the pub blocked last Saturday morning was the icing on a very sour cake for us. 

MP for South Norfolk, Ben Goldsborough, pictured right with Stevie King said he wants businesses to receive financial compensation for the roadworks (Image: Stevie King)

"It's not fair for big business and local planners to disregard the smaller guys so nonchalantly.

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"I hope, after our meetings with Daniel and Ben, we can start the fight back for what is right and fair.

"The sooner this shambles is cleared the better."

EDF ENERGY COY ON COMPENSATION 

The energy company shied away from whether it will be offering financial compensation to businesses affected by the work but laid out what measures are in place to help.

Leader of South Norfolk Council, Daniel Elmer, has also backed businesses affected by the roadworks (Image: Norfolk County Council)

A spokeswoman for EDF Energy said: "We're sorry for any disruption and will continue to speak to local people and businesses about the ongoing work schedule and our mitigation measures.

"In response to feedback, we've already doubled the number of workers and extended working hours by four hours, daily, to expedite completion. 

"We've also switched to manual traffic light control from 8am to 7pm, reduced traffic management length from 300m to 150m and provided clearer signs indicating businesses are open. 

"Additionally, we've provided ramp access to the SugarBeat Eating House car park and additional traffic marshals to improve flow along Church Road.

"We're committed to minimising any impact on local people and businesses as much as we can."

The roadworks recently appeared outside the SugarBeat entrance (Image: Stevie King)