Pub landlord slams roadworks as profits plunge by more than a third

Alan Waters runs the Mill Inn in Durham Road, Houghton. He says work to install a new cycle way in recent months has had a devastating effect on his business – one whiuch is set to continue through the busy festive season as resurfacing is carried out.

"They have been putting this bike lane in, which had been an ongoing thing thing,” he said.

"It was ongoing for about 12 or 13 weeks – they would open the road, close the road, put the traffic lights on and off.”

He is also unhappy that there is nothing in place to tell motorists that it is business as usual at the pub.

"There is no signage to tell people that we are open as usual,” he said.

"They have just taken away 30 to 35 per cent of my business, which at this time of year is absolutely killing me. I have got loads of bookings for Christmas but people can’t get here. They are about to finish the bike lane but now they are going to resurface the road.”

Alan, 67, said the roadworks meant there was no access to the pub from the A690, with customers having to come through Hetton: “It is a mile-and-a-half to two miles diversion,” he said.

Residents were also unhappy: “People can’t get to their houses,” he said.

A Sunderland City Council spokesperson confirmed the scheme was scheduled to run into the New Year: “The work will provide safe designated pedestrian/cycle routes as low carbon transport links, while improving road safety for all users. Council officers are proactively working with those directly affected to address their concerns.

"This phases is due to be complete by Christmas with the final resurfacing works underway. The highway is closed in one direction with a diversion in place so motorists can still visit their destinations and the overall scheme is scheduled to be completed in late spring next year.

“Residents and businesses are always very welcome to contact us and discuss any issues they may have with these updates for improving our city’s transport network.”