A Dundee publican claims he has lost half of his usual takings as broadband works have blocked access to his bar.
Alex Boyle, proprietor of the Ancrum Arms in Lochee, said he was told the installation of fibre optic cables, which forced the closure of the public footpath outside his pub, would only take six days.
Now two weeks later, the work by CityFibre is not complete.
Mr Boyle, 63, said he said he has lost thousands since the work began on October 11, as the nearby bus stop is closed and taxis cannot access the layby outside his Logie Street premises.
Mr Boyle said despite contacting the firm on October 25 he is no further forward in establishing when the public path will reopen.
“We realise we have to make allowances but we were told it would take 6 days and that’s us now two weeks into the job,” he said.
“There was nobody working here on Friday and we’ve now lost another weekend’s trade as a result.
“The big issue is the bus stop across the road is closed and taxis haven’t been able to access the layby.
“Someone phoned a taxi and was told to go to the Logie Bar further down the road to be collected.
“I’ve looked at the takings prior to these works starting and looked at the takings thereafter and we’ve had a 50% drop in revenue.
“We’ve lost thousands and bearing in mind we still need to pay bills and staff during this period.”
Decline in footfall
He said he is losing passing trade, particularly people travelling home to Lochee from work.
“Customers who maybe got off at the stop after work for a drink aren’t because the stop isn’t in operation at the moment,” he said.
“There is no footpath access on the premises side and people are being forced to cross the road.
“One day they closed off the entrance into the establishment with a barrier without any warning.
“There has been a total disregard for the commercial premises operating in this area since the work started.
“We would have been prepared to accept it for six days but the frustrating thing is there is no end in sight to tell our patrons.”
Alex, who has run the bar for more than 30 years, joked that he hopes the broadband will be quicker than the time the work has taken.
He added: “After everything the hospitality sector has gone through recently this is the last thing we need.
“Here we are, two weeks down the line, despite complaints from myself we are no further forward in establishing when it will be completed.
“I certainly hope the broadband will be quicker than it’s taken to get this job completed.”
Apology
Allan McEwan, CityFibre’s manager for Dundee, said the work should be completed in the coming days.
He added: “We’re sorry to learn that concerns have been raised by a business in Dundee and want to reassure them that we always endeavour to manage any disruption and complete construction as quickly and efficiently as possible.
“However, due to the nature of the work, it can sometimes take a little longer than expected.
“Contact has been made with the business and they have been advised that works are due to complete early this week.
“This full fibre network, which represents a private investment of £40m in Dundee, will futureproof the city’s digital infrastructure for decades to come, bringing many benefits to residents, businesses, and the city as a whole.
“We are so appreciative of the support we’ve received to date and would ask the community to continue to bear with us while we deliver this important project.”
