‘I’ve had enough’: Pub anger over ‘nightmare’ roadworks

Gary Voysey, landlord of Ship in Distress in Stanpit, said he’s “had enough” after long-awaited road resurfacing works caused havoc with his takings, damaged residents' vehicles and left bits of the road surface sprayed across outside walls and windows.

The roadworks came after “years” of frustrations for residents and ward councillors.

Mr Voysey explained that while the works were being completed, iron manhole drain covers were left raised out of the road with no warnings along the site that caused damage to his son’s car.

Raised drain and dug out road in Stanpit

He said: “It’s been an absolute nightmare.

“My son's car is an Audi A3, it’s not a souped-up car and it’s no different to any other Audi.

“But at the bottom of the drive, where they dug the road right out there’s this raised drain sticking out - with no warning signs or anything - and it’s just ripped the bottom of his car. 

“He’s really upset because he’s only had it for three weeks. 

“And about 10 houses either side of us, and that’s people that have noticed it are covered with bitumen going up the windows, walls and doors.

Mr Voysey said he's had enough after road resurfacing works reportedly caused £2,000 worth of damage to his sons car

Mr Voysey said BCP Council hadn't written to advise of a start date which has had a detrimental impact on his business. 

READ MORE: Stanpit in Christchurch finally being resurfaced

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'Cost £8,000 in takings'

He said: “It’s cost me about £8,000 from the two weeks of work going on so I’m worse off than when it started.

“It’s come at the stage now where I’ve got a big VAT bill this month and I’m losing all my business.

“I’ve had to have all my chefs in and I’ve got to pay them and we’ve not been doing any food so it’s been a waste of money.”

A BCP Council spokesperson said: “Letters were issued to residents and businesses giving advance notice of the works and dates. We appreciate the inconvenience that these works have caused, however we have a legal responsibility to make sure our roads remain in a safe and serviceable condition for the benefit of residents and businesses in the years to come.

“The site was left safe with appropriate signage during the interim period between the initial recycling of the old road surface and laying the new surface, which has been completed today and on schedule.”

“Any suggestion of damage to private property has been acted on quickly and appropriately by the contractor.

"The site has been closely monitored by our staff and we are satisfied with the works and quality of the final product.

“We hope residents and business owners will enjoy the benefits these improvements will bring to the area and apologise for any inconvenience caused this week.”