Derbyshire Dales: Drop in trade as gas work continues

Mel Beaumont, of the Duke William, in Church Street, Matlock, has seen a lull in passing trade since the National Grid closed the road in front of his pub in July – and fears this will eat into his trade over the usually busy bank holiday weekend.

“We have certainly lost business because people are getting to the bottom of the hill on Matlock Green and they turn away from that because they see the road is closed,” he said. “Of course the only other option is to come through Matlock Bath – so people don’t bother coming at all.”

He added that the cost of a taxi ride had also increased for customers, who currently have to go via Matlock Bath to get to Matlock, which again was putting people off coming.

Parts of Church Street and Starkholmes Road will be closed until September 21.

Mel added: “I will be claiming for loss of business.”

National Grid is also carrying out gas mains work in Bath Street, Bakewell, which is likely to cause disruption to the busy bank holiday traffic in the town centre.

A spokesman for the National Grid said: “The work we are carrying out in Matlock and Bakewell is essential to ensure safe and reliable gas supplies to local homes and businesses for the next 80 years. We apologise for any disruption caused to local businesses and the local community.

“A compensation scheme is available to businesses and they can contact our customer services team on 0800 096 5678 for more information.

“In Matlock, we have had to carry out the gas mains renewal in the summer, when gas demand is low, so that we can ensure gas supplies while we carry out the work. Also we are working near schools and this work can only be done outside term time.”