Entrepreneur who invested £1m in derelict pub says footfall has dropped by a third since canal bridge closed

A Staffordshire entrepreneur who invested more than £1m into bringing a derelict pub back to life is urging people to support local businesses struggling with the impact of a canal bridge closure in Brewood.

Billy Hutchinson, owner of The Lesters Arms on Kiddemore Green Road, says footfall has dropped by more than 30 per cent since road closures were introduced to repair structural damage to the bridge.

While he accepts that the Canal & Riverside Trust and Staffordshire County Council need to act, Billy wants the works finished swiftly and is calling for greater support for firms affected by circumstances beyond their control.

“We rely heavily on ease of access for customers travelling from nearby towns and villages,” he said.

“Since the closure, many regular customers have stopped visiting because the journey has become confusing or considerably longer due to poor signage.”

Open for business

Billy has welcomed the council’s efforts to improve diversion signage but wants more regular updates so owners can understand repair progress and timelines.

He believes affected firms should receive temporary support if disruption continues.

“Twenty full and part-time jobs in Brewood have been created since we launched, and this is just the start,” he added.

“We just need to get through the closure, and we can do that with support from the council and local people.”

The Lesters Arms seats up to 60 guests inside, with further outdoor seating. Special events are planned throughout the year, including live England screenings and themed evenings.

For more information, visit www.thelestersarms.co.uk