Bridgnorth businesses see takings drop as gas leak forces road closures
One bakery in the town has seen 80% drop in weekly takings.
Businesses in Bridgnorth have seen their takings hit by emergency gas works, which are set to take another three weeks to complete.
St John's Street was closed on 3 April following a nearby gas leak, with Bridge Street shut a week later for wider repair works.
Jess Bayley owns and runs Bridgnorth Bakes, a bakery on Bridge Street. She said her takings have dropped by 80% since the start of the repair work.
"I took £200 in an entire week, and that's revenue that's not profit. That's horrific, that won't even cover the electricity bills.
"And the only thing that has changed is the roadworks. So the only thing my 80% drop in revenue can be blamed on is the roadworks."
Ms Bayley said it's not the first time her business has been impacted. Works have been carried out three times since February.
Cadent have said businesses can apply for compensation for lost revenue.
Ms Bayley continued: "I submitted a form back in February, I've been chasing them ever since. They asked for proof of losses, which I gave, still haven't heard anything back. I had another email from Cadent last week, again asking for proof of losses and balance sheets and I replied to say I'd already submitted it.
"We understand the roadworks are taking place, we're not complaining that they shouldn't be there at all. We just take issue with a) the lack of communication and b) we got given 4 days notice so we couldn't put any processes in place to make up the loss in revenue ourselves."
Neal Prestidge, Customer Liaison Officer at Cadent said: “These are complex but vital emergency works and we need to get started as soon as possible to ensure a safe and reliable gas supply to community.
“We know that this is a busy road, but it is vital that we replace this main and we really appreciate everyone’s patience”