A former licensee of a Norwich pub has said that the ongoing roadworks in the city centre was one of reasons behind the closure of the pub last week.
Russell Evans was one of the licensees of Number 12 on Farmers Avenue and said the roadworks had an impact on trade at the historic pub.
He took over the pub in January alongside his business partner John Linford on a trial basis with Enterprise Inn. But due to the lack of customers coming through the doors, the decision was made to close the pub with the last pints being pulled on Friday.
Mr Evans said he did not blame anyone for the closure, but told of the problems the roadworks, which began in January, caused for his business.
'It had a massive impact when we first opened due to all the drills and machinery outside, some customers even complained about the noise,' he said. 'It was a significant factor that affected us early on but it was a combination of factors to why we weren't getting the customers.
'Locally few people go out during lunchtime, they either eat in the staff canteen or at their desk and in the evenings it is really quiet around there so there was just that bit of traffic after work.'
Philip Cutter, landlord of The Murderers on Timber Hill, had previously spoken about his concerns of the roadworks making the city a 'no-go zone in the evening' and the affect of the work on local businesses.
A spokesperson for Transport for Norwich said: 'Throughout work in the city centre, we have made every effort to keep residents and businesses informed while minimising disruption as much as possible.
'The aim of these projects is to create an environment that's welcoming to visitors and provides easy links for pedestrians, increasing footfall and, in turn, boosting the local economy.'
Mr Evans handed back the keys to Enterprise Inn on Wednesday morning and will now focus his attention on the other pubs he runs in Norfolk, including The York Tavern on Leicester Road in Norwich and The Boars in Spooner Row.
He added: 'We spent a lot of money on promoting Number 12 to businesses in the city and Enterprise have been incredibly supportive and helpful but we just couldn't get the customers so we reluctantly had to close.'
Norwich city centre is undergoing 12 months of roadworks to pedestrianise more streets and reshape junctions.
Work began in January at the junction of Rouen Road and Golden Ball Street. That has been completed and Westlegate and All Saints Green are now being pedestrianised.
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