Milton Keynes pub concerned A5 slip road closure will impact trade after being declined signage
A Milton Keynes pub says it is concerned that a month-long closure of the A5 slip road will impact its trade, after a request for signage saying the business was open as usual was declined.
The George pub, based in Little Brickhill, says that the closure, which began on September 29, has already impacted its business.
National Highways says that the work on the southbound slip road will involve changing the exit slip road to a single lane, installing new kerbing, enhancing road signage, vegetation clearance and resurfacing.
The work is scheduled to last four weeks, with the exit slip road being closed continuously for the first three weeks.
During this phase temporary two-way traffic lights will be in operation on the overbridge.
During the second phase, work will only take place on weeknights between 8pm and 6am, but will involve the closure of both entry slip roads and the overbridge.
Owner of The George pub Louise Babikian told the Citizen: "We understand the roadworks are needed, but a month-long closure with no signage will greatly affect our trade.
"We encourage our loyal customers to continue to support us during this time by using the diversions and alternative routes.
"The closure has already had a huge impact on trade.
"Wednesday evening was incredibly quiet and last night our only patrons all lived in the village so were able to walk."
The pub says it has contacted both National Highways and Milton Keynes City Council to ask for clear signage to be added to the A5 advising patrons that businesses are open as usual and to follow the diversions.
However, their requests for signage have been declined, with National Highways also saying they are unable to offer compensation as it goes against their company policy.
In a message on its social media page The George says that anyone wishing to access the premises and coming from Kelly’s Kitchen roundabout should continue to The Flying Fox roundabout, go all the way around the roundabout and head back into the village that way.
In a statement a National Highways spokesperson said: “The slip road off the A5 is being closed whilst we carry out important safety improvements to the junction.
“This includes work to change it to a single lane, installing new kerbing, enhancing road signage, vegetation clearance and resurfacing. The project is expected to be completed in November.
“We are working with the local community and businesses to minimise disruption to them during this time, including introducing appropriate signage."