The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Landlord fears no way Inn if AWPR cuts off customers
Transport: Restaurant could lose £12,000 as bypass causes access problem
The owners of a family-run restaurant have claimed they stand to lose thousands of pounds over the next few months due to the construction of the AWPR.
Sandy Law has run the Lairhillock Inn in Netherley for 10 years with his wife Nancy, son Donald and daughter Sandra.
The restaurant, which is based on the Netherley road, is regularly cut off due to bad weather during the winter.
But Mr Law said the business is now faced with a major challenge after bypass contractors announced they would close the Netherley to Portlethen road for three months.
He estimated the closure could cost him about £12,000 because of problems potential customers will have in gaining access.
He added: “I’m really at my wit’s end with this.
“Two Sundays ago, we lost out on 15 customers who cancelled because they realised they would have to get here by single track road. It’s shocking what they’re doing to businesses. We’re probably not the only one as there will be places on the other side of the closure. We expect to lose out on business during the winter if the roads are bad, but after a couple of days the roads have been cleared and people can get to us again – this is going to be like one really bad winter.”
Last night, Transport Scotland insisted the closure was essential in safeguarding motorists and road workers.
A spokesman said: “We understand the importance of this local road to local communities, so the contractor planned the timing of this closure to minimise any impact it may have.
“However, the closure is necessary to enhance the safety of road users and workers while works are undertaken above and adjacent to this narrow road.
“Whilst the temporary closure has been planned for around 14 weeks, it will be reopened earlier if it is safe to do so.
“The contractor has a dedicated community liaison team which engages daily with local residents, landowners and businesses, and confirmed it has engaged with Lairhillock Inn as recently as last week.”