Willows Coffee House says construction losing trade

Willows Coffee House, in Church Street, has warned it is "at risk" after seeing a decline in trade since October due to ongoing construction disturbing customers and passing trade.

In a statement shared on social media, the business said: "We need your support now more than ever.

"Since October, the ongoing construction outside has had a significant impact on our business.

"Despite our efforts, we’ve received very little support from the authorities, and the disruption continues to affect us every day."

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The business said that its future is in doubt because of this.

"We’re determined to keep going because we believe in our future, but we can’t do it without our community.

"If you’ve been meaning to visit, now is the perfect time."

Willows Coffee House clarified that the issue lies with the wider disruption, not those directly involved in the works.

The statement continued: "We’d like to reiterate that the construction workers and the business behind the development have been incredibly supportive of Willows, working with us to make this period as manageable as possible.

"This is absolutely no reflection on them.

"We simply want to raise awareness that our business is still very much open."

As previously reported, work on a wall at the bottom of Church Street at the Top of Town began months ago but was paused for some time, with the wall still partly taken down and fenced off.

Festival Place said in April that the work was paused because of an “unforeseen issue” which it said “required further investigation”.

It apologised for the inconvenience and said: "Works are expected to recommence shortly, and the team will be working to complete the repairs as quickly as possible."

Festival Place was asked why the work is being done and how long it is expected to last, but it declined to elaborate.