Sewer collapse has sent trade down the drain
SEVERN TRENT APOLOGY AS ‘TRICKY’ WORK HITS TAKINGS FOR BUSINESSES IN HOCKLEY
BUSINESSES in an area of the city centre have been “massively affected” by a sewer collapse.
Severn Trent has been working for a several weeks to repair the sewer, beneath Pelham Street, in Hockley.
A spokesman said the location of the sewer has made it a “tricky” operation because it was close to a large water pipe.
But bosses of shops and pubs along the road say they have been losing trade.
Adam Glover, deputy manager of The Loxley, said: “The work has massively affected our business.
“It is right outside our door at the moment and so we can’t put our outside furniture out the front.
“Having the work outside isn’t encouraging people to want to come inside and it has been going now for at least 12 weeks.
“Especially during the hot summer we have had we haven’t been able to let our customers enjoy sitting outside, which is a shame.
“We have also had to keep the door shut as the noise is quite loud.” Tres Gretton-roche, owner of Wired cafe, said: “It has caused lots of problems for us but I am also aware that the infrastructure under the pavement is so old that the work does need to happen.
“It is a dilemma for both sides, to be honest, but what I do want to know is if we will be reimbursed for the business rates that we pay. “We are losing out on business but still paying the same rates. That is the main issue for me.”
A Severn Trent spokesman said: “The large sewer is located in a tricky position close to other utilities, including a large water pipe, which means we’re having to take extra care as we get it fixed.
“We’re really sorry for any disruption this causes and we’re working as quickly as we can to get everything back to normal.” Nottingham City Council said business rates were set by the Valuation Office Agency.
The work has massively affected our business. It is right outside our door
Adam Glover