A POPULAR pub in Bridgwater has been impacted following the long-term impact of roadworks adjacent to the venue. 

The Cobblestones in Eastover has seen trade fall by over 30 per cent since the Celebration Mile roadworks began in August 2024. The pub also saw sales fall by half on Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival, held on November 2.

Graham Hodgson, Events Manager at The Cobblestones, has spoken of the impact on the business. 

“This pub has been here for 100 years. As a business, we are putting in 200 per cent more effort to bring people in, working seven days a week to publicise what we offer.”

“Even bands and musicians who perform here have had to check with me about whether they can park outside, and what the arrangements are with the roadworks.”

The roadworks outside the popular pub, which do not have a clearly displayed pedestrian access sign, are set to move further up Eastover from December 2, 2024.

It’s a move Graham believes will make no difference. He said: “The roadworks are only moving 300 metres up the road. I don’t understand why they’ve impacted local businesses down here.”

“I’m not against redevelopment of the area as such, but we’ve not had any communication throughout.”

Somerset Council says “the scheme is a major investment in the future of Bridgwater and will ultimately help to improve footfall and make the town centre a more vibrant and enjoyable place to spend time.”

But traders in the town are not convinced, including Graham and business owners from the nearby Eastover Indoor Shopping Centre and the Cornhill Indoor Market. A petition has also been set up to stop the works. 

Somerset Council’s contractor, Taylor Woodrow, issues regular updates on Celebration Mile works to those in affected areas.