The owner of a pub near Stroud says a nearby road closure could cost him thousands of pounds.
Nick Hine acquired Foston’s Ash almost exactly three years ago. He says running the pub near The Camp has been 'very rewarding' yet feels he is being 'thwarted at every turn' by factors outside of his control.
The latest issue is the closure of the B4070 between the Calf Way junction and Slad village.
While the pub lies just past the closure, those wanting to visit from Slad must follow a lengthy diversion via Painswick and Brockworth.
The road is closed from today (Monday, July 26) until Friday, August 6 (excluding weekends) to allow trees suffering from ash dieback to be removed.
A spokesperson for Gloucestershire County Council said the closure was necessary to ensure the work could be undertaken safely.
The closure will only be in place from 9.30am-3.30pm but, to Nick's frustration, this is not stated on the road signs.
"As if the road closure was not bad enough, worryingly, it suggests the road is closed all day every day except weekends.
"I very much doubt that our customers will attempt to visit Foston’s in the evening," he said.
Nick said recent road closures, an increase in business rates and regular cancelled bookings from people being forced to self-isolate meant it was 'seriously hard to justify the continued resilience needed to keep our doors open during such challenging times'.
"We feel pretty let down right now.
"Couldn’t this be done away from the busiest time of the year?
"We are keen to get the message out, we will be staying open, despite the road closures."
A spokesperson for Gloucestershire County Council, said, “Ash Dieback disease affects the structural integrity of a tree, creating health and safety risks as tree’s become brittle, lose branches and in severe cases the tree can fall.
"Gloucestershire County Council is working to remove diseased trees along the highway network to protect road users, and will replant two saplings for every tree lost across the county.
"We understand that full road closures might cause some disruptions, however it is necessary in order for us to carry out the work safely.
"We want to reassure Foston’s Ash Inn that this work will be done during the day and the road will be open by 3:30pm.”
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