Chips are down for Newark business due to roadworks

Sales at a Newark chip shop have plummeted since roadworks started outside.

Mr Marcos Panteli, owner of Hawtonville Chippy, said takings were down 15% to 20% per week compared with the same time last year.

Temporary traffic lights have been in place near the chip shop on Bowbridge Road to allow work by Nottinghamshire County Council to take place.

The work to improve pavements and install new kerbs started in August and is due to be completed on December 18.

Mr Panteli said he had been forced to cut staff hours and was seeking compensation from the council for the impact on his business.

?I am essentially working for nothing as the business is so stretched,? he said.

?The staff are not happy because they have got bills to pay and children to feed.

?There seems to be a delay from one job to another.?

'I think it has affected a lot of other businesses'

Mr Panteli said he was told some of the work directly outside his shop would take place on a Sunday to minimise disruption.

?They are trying their best, but I do believe if Nottinghamshire County Council cared they would have finished it quicker,? he said.

?I think it has affected a lot of other businesses.

?It?s not just that you can?t park as easily, but when it has been going on for as long as it has, people start avoiding the road and we miss out on passing trade.?

Mr Panteli said he feared losing regular customers.

?Customers who usually come to us will go somewhere else rather than sit in traffic,? he said.

?It could have a long-term effect because there?s a fear of losing regulars but hopefully we can get them back.

?If the council compensated me that would be great.?

A county council spokesman said the work was being done in stages and it had tried to keep the lay-by near the chip shop available to customers at all times.

He said the proximity of other junctions meant the council had to put in four-way temporary lights.