‘We’re still open for business’ – Lesters Arms owner urges people to back the pub to help it overcome the Brewood bridge closure

A Staffordshire entrepreneur, who invested more than £1m into bringing a derelict pub back to life, is urging people to back local businesses struggling with the impact of the canal bridge being closed in Brewood.

Billy Hutchinson, owner of The Lesters Arms on Kiddemore Green Road, says footfall has dropped by more than 30% in the wake of road closures put in place to repair structural damage to the bridge.

Whilst he appreciates that the Canal & Riverside Trust and Staffordshire County Council needs to act, he wants ‘works’ to be completed as soon as possible and is calling for greater support for companies being hit by circumstances out of their control.

The passionate advocate for hospitality would also like to see more done to promote that firms and venues are still very much ‘open for business’.

“We rely heavily on ease of access for customers travelling from nearby towns and villages,” explained Billy.

“Since the closure, many regular customers have simply stopped visiting because the journey has become confusing or considerably longer due to poor signage and the roads used for diversions not being suitable for increased volumes of traffic.

For a hospitality business, this level of disruption is extremely damaging.”

He continued: “It’s tough, especially with the rise in energy prices and other changes to employment costs. However, we’re 100% committed to building on what has been a hugely successful first two years for The Lesters Arms, which has seen us become one of the go-to gourmet pub and restaurants for great drinks, creative food and special events.

“We believe we’ve created something special - bringing in the most talented chefs, creating tasty menus that celebrate the best of local produce and delivering a welcoming environment for drinks and a great place to catch-up with friends and family.”

Billy has welcomed the Council’s actions to improve diversion signage to make it easier for visitors to find local businesses but has asked for more regular communication updates so that affected owners can understand repair progress and expected timelines.

He also believes affected companies should be considered for temporary support measures should the disruption continue for an extended period.

“20 full and part-time jobs in Brewood have been created since we launched, and this is just the start – there’s so many exciting plans we’ve got to take The Lesters Arms to the next level,” added Billy.

“We just need to get through the bridge closure, and we can do that with the support of the council and local people. Kiddemore Green Road - from Bishops Wood - is open all the way to our pub, so come along and see what we’ve got to offer.”

The Lesters Arms, which is open six days per week, can seat up to 60 guests inside and tens more in the large outdoor space and garden that overlooks beautiful countryside - making it an ideal venue for summer dining.  

"Special events are planned until the end of the year, from live England game screenings to themed evenings and seasonal promotions across the coming months."

For further information, please visit www.thelestersarms.co.uk