‘Treading water’ The Continental react to Preston flood scheme delay

The Continental has seen constant road closures and diversions on the road outside during the works Pic: Blog Preston

The operator of a city pub which has faced more than two years of flood defence works has spoken out as they face being cut-off for a further year.

As Blog Preston revealed this morning the Preston and South Ribble flood defence scheme on the Riverside section will finish a year behind schedule.

The Continental, in South Meadow Lane, Broadgate, says their walk-in trade has declined rapidly as a result of the works and road closures in place.

Susan Rowlands, operator of the pub and also speaking on behalf of the nearby Mini Centre which is also affected, said: “For three years our businesses have had to contend with road closures of the route through Broadgate from the Cyclops scheme construction which overlapped with the commencement of the flood wall works to burst water mains.

“The flood wall scheme was first discussed with us over three years ago as we were coming out of lockdown which was awful timing.

“We expected to be prioritised in the scheduling of the work due to our location. However, despite intensive discussions this has not really happened as the scheme has been constantly delayed due to technical problems which should have surely been anticipated in the pre-scheme surveys.

“Access to Riverside and ourselves from the south of the river has been subject to a complicated diversion for almost two years deterring customers from neighbouring Penwortham and surrounding areas.

“As a venue offering an arts and culture programme we get visitors and artists from all over the country who struggle to find a route through. Nevertheless thanks to the resilience of our event staff, management and loyal customers we have held our own.

“We are relieved at last to hear that the route down Broadgate and Connaught Rd will be reopened for good we hope, in December.

“However the closure of the footpath along Riverside has dealt a real blow to business as walk-in trade has declined as people struggle to find a way to access Avenham and Miller Parks on foot or by bike.

“We are now informed it will be the end of 2025 before the work in our location will be completed.

“This is an extremely popular walk and it’s closure will be even more damaging over Christmas and Easter plus Bank Holidays in 2025.”

Ms Rowlands went on to brand a temporary road – put in through the BAC club to access the Conti car park, Mini Centre and Miller Gardens apartments as a ‘disgrace’.

She said: “Many customers for both businesses are reluctant to use it, yet it is expected to last another two winters.”

She also hit out at Lancashire County Council saying the road closures had not been discussed in detail with them and also claimed requests for lighting along Riverside to complement the works were met with no response.

Ms Rowlands said: “We have been as cooperative as possible with the scheme involving removal of our hedgerow boundaries and use of our car park for heavy machinery and lorries.

“We appreciate it is an ambitious and very necessary scheme and the works that have been completed so far are impressive .

“However for three years we will have been unable to grow our business. We have had many plans put on hold for our kiosk; beer festivals, outdoor markets, bed and breakfast etc. After the Covid years it has been crucial to try and recover lost ground for businesses like ours. We have had to watch our competitors grow whilst we have been forced to tread water.”

In response the Environment Agency’s flood and coastal risk manager, Richard Knight, said: “We sympathise with residents and business owners and are working hard with our suppliers to complete this section of the project as quickly as possible.

“The delays encountered whilst working along Riverside are due to unexpected and complicated riverbank and bedrock conditions. This has meant that we have had to undertake a redesign of the foundations for the new flood defences, review works to the riverbank and revisit the construction methods we are using.”

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said compensation was only being offered to residents and businesses if a ‘demonstrable financial loss as a direct consequence of the scheme’ was shown.

Those living nearby are being urged to download contractors VolkerStevin’s ‘Engage’ mobile phone app to receive updates, submit enquiries via psr@environment-agency.gov.uk and attend drop-ins at the BAC/EE Sports and Social Club each Wednesday and Thursday from 10am to 3pm.

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