THE owner of a popular pub and restaurant today said his trade had been devastated by roadworks outside the premises for almost two months.

Bob Strickland, owner of the Hare and Hounds Pub and Restaurant, Skipton Old Road, Foulridge, claimed the roadworks, which started in January, have cut his busy lunchtime trade to virtually nothing.

He claims other businesses in the village have also been affected by the resurfacing work.

Mr Strickland said he was considering contacting other businesses in the village to try and claim compensation from the council for the loss of trade during the work, which is expected to last nine weeks.

He said: "We usually do about 20 or 30 meals during our lunchtime hours but that has fallen to almost nothing. From takings of around £300 we are now pulling in hardly any money from lunchtime trade, it's a disaster.

"Quite apart from the affect on trade because of the loss of passing traffic the car park is also full of work vehicles like diggers and tippers and all sorts. We weren't asked if that would be OK. We just got a letter asking for our co-operation.

"I know a lot of other businesses have also been badly hit by this work and I am thinking about getting in touch with some of them to see if we can group together and try for some sort of redress from the council.

"At the moment it is just a case of keeping our fingers crossed and hoping that the work is finished on time because this is ruining us."

No one from Pendle Council was able to comment.