'Disappointment' after café opening delayed due to roadworks
Co-founders 'poured heart and soul – and thousands of pounds' into cafe
An entrepreneur who put “months of work and investment” into a new cafe has put the opening on hold due to roadworks in Rotherham town centre.
The businessperson along with their co-founder – neither of whom wished to be named – hoped to open Cafe Treats in the Imperial Buildings in July.
"After months of work and investment we were due to open our new cafe/dessert shop for the peak season of the summer holidays,” they said.
“However due to Rotherham Council's ongoing roadworks, our plans of opening have been put on hold with no support from the council.
“We poured our heart and soul into getting this business ready in time for the school holidays, not to mention investing tens of thousands of pounds.
“Even if we had been able to (open), delivery drivers and customers would have had the exact same problems getting to us as all of our neighbouring businesses have - lack of parking and nowhere to drop off and unload.
“It's so disappointing. We understand the roadworks are necessary but it's the timescale and lack of communication that is the problem for us and many others.”
Andrew Bramidge, executive director for regeneration and environment at Rotherham Council said: “We recognise that improvement work to the town centre public realm has caused disruption for businesses, particularly those closest to the project, and we thank them for their patience and support as the work continues.
"The council has been in regular contact with businesses throughout the project and will continue to keep those affected updated.
“Unfortunately, utility company works have caused some delays which were beyond our control, but we can now confirm that the carriageway resurfacing works outside the business on Moorgate Street were completed at the end of August.
“The paving works will be taking place from September, and we estimate this will take six weeks to complete.
“We will provide temporary access for businesses while pavements are resurfaced and will consult with businesses before undertaking any entrance works.
“We have tried to maintain as much parking as possible, and we would encourage shoppers to use alternative parking locations, for example the on-street parking bays outside the town hall or the car park on Westgate, which is free on weekends and weekdays after 6pm.”