'Roadworks might close my 200-year-old pie shop'

Matt Howarth runs the bakery in Haslingden with his dad Barry

A bakery that has been selling pies for more than 200 years may be forced to close as roadworks outside their shop are affecting trade.

Cissy Greens, on Deardengate in Haslingden, Lancashire, said over the past week their shop takings have almost halved.

Matt Howarth, who runs the bakery with his dad Barry, said: "We are looking forward to the revamped Deardengate, but right now we're not sure if our shop will be able to survive to be a part of it."

The works, which began in July, are part of a major redevelopment of the town centre called the Haslingden 2040 Project, and Rossendale Council said it was "grateful for the patience shown" while they continue.

"The roadworks were due to be wrapped up by now but they've been dragging on," he said.

"They are threatening to drag on into the Christmas period, which is really crucial for bakeries and other small businesses.

The works are part of a major redevelopment of the town centre

"Everybody on the street's been hit and are struggling just with the length of time it's been going on.

"We've got no parking outside and that's really hitting trade as well, people can't just jump out the car, run in, get their pie and drive off."

Mr Howarth said he accepts the regeneration needs to be done and "Haslingden definitely needs the investment," but the length of time it is taking means they are struggling.

He added: "We're quite lucky that we've got a good wholesale trade, so that's really helping prop us up, but the shop and the future of the shop is really hanging in the balance.

"The key message is that we, and all the businesses on Deardengate, are still open even if it looks like we're not."

A spokesman from Rossendale Borough Council said: "We understand the significant disruption the ongoing road closure has caused for traders, visitors, and residents and we share the frustration felt by many businesses and residents.

"The council is grateful for the patience and resilience shown during what has been an extremely challenging period."