Derby: Landlord considers legal action over city roadworks

Landlord Alan Pickersgill says he is angry at the council

A Derby pub landlord says he is considering suing over the impact nearby roadworks have had on his trade.

The Brunswick Inn boss Alan Pickersgill says he is talking to solicitors over a potential legal fight against Derby City Council.

He claims takings were "significantly hit" during a nine-month scheme in Railway Terrace and Midland Road, near the city's railway station.

The council says the approach to the station has "significantly improved".

It added work in the area had now been completed.

The authority says a consultation took place ahead of the work and teams were in regular contact with businesses throughout, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

The council said work had been ongoing since July last year

The works included road resurfacing and installation of wider footpaths, bollards and new crossings, as well as improved access from the station to the National Cycle Route.

Mr Pickersgill accepts he was expecting disruption but claims the project was not "essential" and also overran by months.

He says the pub's main entrance and car park were blocked during the project.

The landlord claims takings during the works were down by 10% year-on-year.

He said: "I'm angry with the council because of the hassle these roadworks have caused. It's taken them much longer to do. We've lost a significant amount of turnover.

"The council should have enacted penalty clauses on the contractor for running over time. It should have been complete by January."

A spokesperson for Derby City Council said: "The recently completed works around the Railway Station are part of the Government-funded Transforming Cities Programme, providing citizens and visitors to Derby with greater transport choices.

"A full public consultation was carried out prior to the works starting and our teams have been in regular contact with businesses and residents in the area to mitigate the impact of work, including making special arrangements around the Christmas period and to maintain access."