Pub's underground toilets damaged during roadworks

Tom Rowell's customers have had to cross the road to use a portable toilet

Council contractors working on a pedestrian scheme have accidentally damaged a pub's underground toilets during their work.

Patrons at The Quadrant pub in Clifton, Bristol, now have to cross the road to use two portable toilets, after diggers destroyed a cellar roof.

Pub director Tom Rowell said the damage meant his pub was losing 30-50% of its usual takings at this time of year.

Bristol City Council said: "We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused and are actively working with the business owner to rectify the situation as quickly as possible and with minimal disruption."

It is understood that contractors missed the cellar when a ground penetrating radar survey was conducted before work to pedestrianise Princess Victoria street began.

"Luckily I was the only person in the building when I heard the crash, I went to the bathrooms to look and I could see daylight coming through and contractors looking down," Mr Rowell said.

The damage and subsequent water leaks mean the building has no functioning toilets and patrons have to use two portable toilets.

"My business relies on goodwill and of repeat and returning customers and giving them a premium and enjoyable experience and as soon as they come to need to use the facilities, the fact that they're not there has been a big issue," he said.

Mr Rowell heard a crash and discovered his toilets had been damaged

The cellar is now being held up by temporary supports before repairs can begin

Mr Rowell said there was a "lack of urgency" over the repairs, and "a level of passing the buck to the next person or the next department".

He estimated internal repairs would take two days, but that could not happen until the road above was also fixed.

Councillor Ed Plowden, chairman of Bristol City Council's Transport and Connectivity Committee said: "We accept that we need to put it right and have provided two portable toilets on site for The Quadrant customers to use until the remedy works have been complete."