Stafford coffee shop says sales have halved due to roadworks
Customers have rallied around a coffee shop in Stafford after their sales were halved due to the impact of nearby roadworks.
Andy Keen, who owns The Coffee Bar & Kitchen on Mill Street, says trade has been massively hit by the roadworks on Chell Road which began four to five weeks ago.
The 54-year-old told the Express & Star: "The biggest problem is that our passing trade has dropped off. Our regular customers have still been coming in, but people haven't been coming into Stafford because of the roadworks so they're not walking into town and passing us.
"We weren't a get rich quick business, but before the roadworks we were doing alright."
The setback was particularly devastating for Andy as his business had only opened less than a year ago and was still trying to find its feet.
He added: "Generally, it's been a really good year, which is why it's been so distressing to have something completely out of our control knocking us back like this. We were still establishing ourselves."
However, since making a Facebook post about the drastic impact on trade, Andy says customers have rallied around his business.
"Ironically, since we made that post, we're busier than we have been in a long time," the cafe owner said.
"At the time we wrote that, our sales had halved, but now we're rallying again. People realised they haven't been passing by and put the effort into coming in to town. It's great that people are coming in to support us."
In his Facebook post, Andy had appealed to his customers to support independent shops in Stafford, saying: "Stafford is still very much open, but, like all the independent shops on Mill Street, we're feeling the pinch with the downturn in people coming into town.
"If you don't want to see the demise of local independent traders it's vital to use them.
"Please come into town, despite the roadworks, and support local traders. Things are tough enough for small traders without roadworks putting people off."
However, Andy believes Stafford is faring better than most at sustaining its independent businesses, and told the Express & Star: "There are lots of independent businesses in Stafford. The high street is struggling and there are some empty shops in town, but compared to other high streets, we're doing really well.
"Lots of small businesses are coming together to get the word out about the need to support us."
Addressing the roadworks on Chell Road and the impact they have had on local businesses, County Councillor David Williams, cabinet member for highways and transport at Staffordshire County Council, said: "Good roads are important for residents, motorists and of course the economy and it is important to invest in keeping them safe and well maintained.
"The works to Chell Road and Doxey Road are vital improvements for the county town that will not only prolong the life of the roads but will make it safer for cyclists and pedestrians.
"The scheme is part of a wider £30 million investment we are making in our roads over the next two years.
"We do recognise that disruption is inevitable during major road improvements and crews work hard to minimise this and find the safest and most efficient way of getting them done.
"To make sure the work on Doxey Road can be carried out safely the road has had to be temporarily closed, however, crews continue to review this and do hope to get the work finished ahead of schedule.
"We do work with local businesses and write to them ahead of any works. We also ensure the proper signage is in place to let people know that businesses are still open during the works and would encourage people to support them."
The Coffee Bar & Kitchen is Andy's first ever business, with the 54-year-old previously working in retail and customer service.
Andy said: "Originally I came from Stoke, but my wife Cath lived in Stafford so I moved here.
"Back in Stoke I used to eat Staffordshire oatcakes, so I thought I'd set up an oatcake shop in Stafford, which eventually became the cafe.
"We are the only place in Stafford that makes our own Staffordshire oatcakes."
To find out more about The Coffee Bar & Kitchen, go to facebook.com/coffeebarstafford/ or coffeebarkitchen.co.uk.
