Maidstone pub landlord says takings down 50% due to road closure

Jason Tharp said his pub relies on passing trade, with road closures putting off visitors

A pub landlord in Kent has said takings are down 50% due to a road closure for gas works.

Jason Tharp, who runs the George Inn, near Maidstone, said custom has dropped in the month since the B2163 shut for repairs by gas suppliers.

The road, which connects the A274 and the A20, had been previously shut for more than two months.

An SGN gas spokesperson has apologised for the disruption caused in the community.

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Mr Tharp said: "We rely on passing trade and Leeds Castle has always been brilliant at sending their visitors our way but when the road is shut, it's a real turn-off for people.

"Just when we thought we'd got everything back on track, the road was shut again in early January and the trade just died. Our takings are about 50% down on what they should be."

Mr Tharp - who runs the business with his wife Debbie - said SGN shut the road initially as an emergency, meaning he cannot claim compensation. 

A spokesperson for SGN said the B2163 was re-opened on Monday.

"We're very sorry for the disruption this has caused in the community, including to the local pub landlord.

"Any business owners who feel they are entitled to compensation from SGN can make a claim", they added.

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