Businesses struggle due to bridge closure

Businesses near the Drypool bridge in Hull say they have been negatively affected by its closure and are asking for customers to support them.

The manager of the White Hart pub said they had seen a 40% reduction in takings and their neighbour, Food for Cowboys, has put out a plea for assistance.

Matthew Appleyard, who runs the White Hart, said the lack of customers was a "massive loss" and not realistically sustainable in the long term.

A spokesperson for Hull City Council said: "The council's business support team has been to visit the businesses affected and set out what steps they will be taking to support them while the road closure is in place."

The council said a stakeholder letter was delivered to the Food for Cowboys premises the week before, following a planning notice letter they said was issued earlier this year. The authority said planning notices were also placed on site.

The Bridge was closed to all vehicles and pedestrians on 15 September and will remain closed until late November.

The White Hart's manager said he was aware the bridge was closing and that the bus stop would be out of action, but said he had no advance notice that the entire road was going to be closed.

"There's been a lot less foot traffic" Mr Appleyard said.

"It's not a cheap pub to run," Mr Appleyard added.

"We've got Sky Sports, we've got five members of staff. These things will all continue to cost us, whether or not we have people in."

Mr Appleyard said he had spoken to the council and been put in touch with an advisor and said the authority was looking to get some signage sorted for the pub.

Jill Cuthbert and Patrick Gladstone popped in for a drink as they were in the area. They noticed how quiet it was.

"People would come and meet here before getting the bus home" Ms Cuthbert said.

"Two weeks down the line they've found another routine to do. It's worrying for these businesses", she added.

Another customer, Matt Daubney said he had visited the pub when he heard they needed support.

"Lots of people have stopped coming to pubs now, so they need all the support they can get," he said.

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