Inn seeks redress for roadworks losses

A country pub manager is demanding compensation after road and building works around his inn slashed takings by a third.

David Nunn, of the 16th-century Folly Inn at Mangotsfield, near Bristol, faces another four months of disruptions before the work is due to finish in February.

"We were a pleasant country pub but now we are in the middle of a building site," said Nunn, who runs the inn in partnership with his parents.

The inn has a 30-seat restaurant plus 15 more in the pub lounge, and opens a function room with seating for 100 for Sunday lunch trade.

"We have seen a drop of between 30% and 40% in food trade since the work began, and my barrelage is down 20%," Nunn said. "There are holes, pipes, cones and roadwork signs all around the place. One entrance to the car park is blocked off and there is dust and mud everywhere.

"It is an absolute nightmare and I am approaching South Gloucestershire Council for a rebate on my £15,000-a-year rates," he added.