Builders Arms pub loses trade due to building works

A pub called the Builders Arms in north London says it will be forced to close if construction work opposite their entrance continues.

The landlords of the pub on Albert Road, New Barnet have said they are losing six hours of trade a day due to construction traffic and building materials being stored outside their business.

Barnet council which gave permission for the developers Fairview to leave building materials near the pub has said it is taking the issue "very seriously".

Fairview has declined to comment.

Assistant manager of the pub, Nina Hristrove described the situation as "so physically and mentally draining to deal with everyday".

As the area outside the pub is also used for as a drop-off for deliveries the pub has cut its opening times from 6pm to midnight instead of opening at midday.

As a result, Nina said the pub had lost a large number of customers and she was worried it would be forced to close down.

"We saw it had started getting more serious when the whole road was blocked by their vans and cranes, the road has not been closed though, but every angle and way our customers can walk to get to us is blocked," she said.

"Staff and our deliveries can’t park anywhere along the road either now because the construction vehicles have priority and when we have attempted to we’ve received penalties.

"It’s gotten to a point where we really need the backing of the community, we feel a bit helpless."

Fairview is building 44 homes near the pub as part of the Park Quarter development and also plans to build another 420 homes at the other end of Albert Road on the former gasworks site.

The council has said it sympathised with the pub and site inspections were taking place.

It added: "If there is any breach of the approved demolition and construction management plan, which provided safeguards to ensure public access to Albert Road, there are various formal notices that may be served in order to ensure the developer, and their approved contractor, adhere to the plan."

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