A1088 Stowlangtoft closure prompts fears for The Norton Dog

Justin Seldis, landlord at Greene King pub The Dog on the A1088 Ixworth Road in Norton, said he was shocked to hear of a road closure just a few minutes' drive away at Bridge Farm Bridge, Stowlangtoft, set to last until December 20. 

He said Suffolk Highways had not consulted him on the five-month closure, which he believes could ruin his business amid a fall in passers by and lengthy diversion routes which might put people off.

Meanwhile Suffolk Highways said it has had "ongoing extensive engagement with communities impacted by the A1088 works" and that it will "continue to support the pub’s landlord", having already installed temporary 'business open as usual' signs naming the pub, as well as permanent tourist signage.

Mr Seldis said: "We certainly weren't given any substantial notice. It was someone that sent me a link to the news when I found out."  

Landlord Justin Seldis (Image: Justin Seldis)

He said the closure has had an "instant effect" on business, with less people booked in for lunch and more cancellations. 

"There's no question in my mind that five months of this could shut us," he said.

READ MORE: Review of The Dog in Norton

"The hospitality industry doesn't run on massive margins. I took on the business when it was on its knees and built it up.

"This came like a bolt out of the blue and yes, I am worried."

Mr Seldis said The Dog employs 25 people. 

The Norton Dog (Image: Mark Heath)

"We have incredibly talented chefs and staff here that I cannot afford to lose, but also may not be able to keep, which leaves me in a very difficult position," he said.

"This is a family business owned by my wife and myself and we don’t have the resources that were offered in Covid times to rely on.

"We face a bleak few months that could, without doubt, mean that a public house that has 400 years history be shut for something that was not even on a radar until just a few weeks ago."

He added: "I think to miss out consulting the very village this closure will affect the most is shameful to say the very least." 

Works to replace the bridge along A1088 Bridge Farm Bridge in Stowlangtoft, near Bury St Edmunds, began on Monday, July 22 and will continue until Friday, December 20.

A road closure is in place between the junction with The Street in Stowlangtoft and Sandy Lane in Grimstone End to ensure the safety of road users and operatives from Suffolk Highways. 

A 20-mile diversion route takes motorists along A1088, A14, A143 and vice versa.

A Suffolk County Council spokesperson said: “Suffolk Highways has had ongoing extensive engagement with communities impacted by the A1088 works, including attending local parish council meetings and visiting affected businesses, such as the Norton Dog.

“We continue to support the pub’s landlord and have installed temporary business open as usual signs specifically naming the Norton Dog, as well as permanent tourist signs publicising the pub, that will remain once works have been completed.

"In addition, we have promoted that the Norton Dog is open as usual in multiple social media posts regarding the works.

“Whilst we appreciate the concerns of local business owners, the A1088 bridge improvement is an essential project which will secure the longevity of the structure, ensuring that it is safer for all highway users and being of benefit to the community in the long-term.”