Pub anger over sewer works

A landlord near Oswestry claims that his pub business is suffering due to the ongoing work to install sewerage pipes in the village, which has affected trade.

Mark Baggett, owner of The Navigation Inn in Maesbury Marsh, said his business continues to be adversely affected since the work started four months ago.

Severn Trent has been trying to install mains sewerage drainage since mid-July, but the work is taking longer than expected due to the wet land the pipes are being laid on. The work was due to be completed by October, but is now expected to continue until January.

But despite the road now being open with traffic lights, business at The Navigation Inn continues to be notably below expectations.

Mr Baggett said: “Many customers think the road is still closed.

“It was bad during the summer when we lost a lot of seasonal passing trade due to the works, but now we are losing regular custom from those people who either think the road is still closed or are as fed up as we are with the inconvenience of the traffic lights.

“We would like to assure all of our customers though that we are fully open for business and that they can reach us from both ends of the village.”

Victoria Phillips, from Severn Trent, said the Maesbury sewerage scheme involved the laying of a new foul sewerage system.

She said: “Early this week there will be a meeting where our engineers will discuss the progress of the whole scheme, traffic lights and access being one of the items. We understand the scheme has been disruptive to residents, and we would like to thank them for their continuing patience.”