'We are really worried': Derby pub owners wake up to unexpected seven-week roadworks

The owners of a popular family-run pub known as one of Derby's best have revealed their frustrations after waking up to temporary traffic lights and a one-way system - amid a surprise seven-week bout of roadworks. The festive period is busy enough for business owners across the country, but now Emily Bowler and Ben Miller, the owners of The Smithfield Alehouse on Meadow Road, have the added stress of directing suppliers and customers to their front door this year.

The pub has long been a champion of real ale and will no doubt be a familiar sight to the city's beer enthusiasts, having been named the 'best in Derby' for the sixth time in seven years by CAMRA back in March. The duo were only made aware of the roadworks when they arrived at The Smithfield on Monday (November 4), only to find work well underway, with cars being directed by a set of temporary traffic lights.

The pair are now "worried" about how the roadworks could affect them, prompting 40-year-old Emily to make her own poster to allow customers and suppliers to access the area with ease. Speaking on the ordeal, and the surprise "lack of communication" from Derby City Council, Ben, 47, said: "It was just a massive shock really, we have had absolutely zero communication from any authority letting us know this would be happening.

"It was only after speaking with one of our regulars that we were able to get a slight grasp on the situation. Sure, at the moment there are just some two-way traffic lights on the road, but we don't know if they will be there 24/7 or just for a few days - we're completely in the dark.

"We used to have great communication with the council, but in recent months, that communication has been lost. We've found out somewhere that the roadworks will be in place for more than seven weeks, including over the busy Christmas period."

Ben says that it's not just the customers he is worried about, but also the suppliers in the area who will need to be directed when making deliveries. He added: "If it sparks a change with how our suppliers access the building, this could have a substantial impact on how we run the business.

"I understand that these works must be completed for whatever reason, but I can't believe the lack of communication." Derby City Council has confirmed that the works will allow a gas main to be diverted as part of the authority's Our City, Our River (OCOR) scheme.

The project, led by the council in partnership with the Environment Agency, looks to alleviate the risk of flooding in future to prevent a repeat of the devastating Storm Babet floods in October last year. The delivery of the project is split into three packages and, subject to securing necessary funding, is intended to be delivered between 2015 and 2023.

The work around Meadow Road is part of the second package of the project and will affect other areas, including Breadsall, Darley Abbey Mills Bridge, all sites between North Riverside and Meadow Road, and sites at Derby Junction Railway Bridge, Pride Park, Ambaston and Shardlow.

According to One Network, the roadworks on Meadow Road will take place between Monday, November 4, and Friday, December 27 - more than seven weeks - although it is unclear whether these restrictions will remain active constantly. A Derby City Council spokesperson said: “The section of Meadow Road between Exter House and the Trentbarton bus depot will be affected by traffic restrictions to allow a gas main to be diverted as part of the Our City, Our River (OCOR) scheme.

“Works will be carried out under two-way traffic lights and a one-way system between the Darwin Place car park and Holmes Bridge. Access to Eastgate and access out of the area along Meadow Road will be maintained. Pedestrian access will be unaffected. Our teams have been in contact with The Smithfield in the run-up to the works taking place; however, we will get in touch again to confirm arrangements and access. We plan to speak to businesses in the wider area once a programme for the OCOR works has been confirmed.”