No Help For Dawlish Business

A Dawlish business is angry that having lost 75% of its business through road works, it has been told by Devon County Council that it will not receive any compensation.

On January 4th Devon County Council closed the High Street in Dawlish for 'necessary works' in conjunction with works being done by Wales and West Utilities. Residents were informed that the road would be closed for three months with access only, but after three weeks the Old Dawlish Brewery was forced to close and lay off 5 staff.

Old Dawlish Brewery bar and restaurant say their customers couldn't navigate the quagmire to get to the door and older customers who usually came by cab were no longer able to do so. The business also runs 4 star holiday accommodation and relies on passing trade. This was also impossible. And to add further insult to injury, they will not be compensated for damage done to their building.

The works were due to finish in time for the Easter holiday weekend but as of mid day on Good Friday that had still not happened.

The Old Brewery has asked their MP Richard Younger-Ross to intervene on their behalf and he is currently in contact with Devon County Council and Wales and West Utilities over this matter.

"Small businesses need all the help they can get in this current economic climate and to be put in a situation where they are forced to stop trading through no fault of their own, is quite unacceptable" said the MP.