A PUB landlord has said he is feeling the “pre-Christmas blues” because of a roadwork extension that has already affected his trade. 

National Highways closes the A31 between Bere Regis and Winterborne Zelston from 9pm every weeknight while resurfacing work is carried out. 

But Jake Roberts, landlord of the Botany Bay Inne at Winterborne Zelston, said he is now losing custom because of work that has been ongoing since October 14. 

He said: “This is affecting us because people are not driving down the road in the evenings. We rely heavily on passing trade – we do get the locals – but it’s mostly passing trade. 

“And because the road does close at 9pm, people will avoid stopping at the pub completely, there’s no tolerance from the road workers.  

“It’s frustrating for everyone, and this extension is a salt in the wound.” 

Botany Bay Inne, Winterborne Zelston, along the A31Botany Bay Inne, Winterborne Zelston, along the A31 (Image: Jake Roberts)

The Boyany Bay Inne, at the Red Post junction, is a food-centred pub that relies heavily on evening trade, he said. 

Consequently, food is stopped being served at 8.15pm each night to give diners time to finish their meal and drive off. 

In addition, Jake said he has had to cut staff hours and workers are having to rush their final jobs to finish up for the day. 

He added: “We understand works need to be done, but the extension came with almost no warning.  

“It is affecting our pre-Christmas bookings as people can’t be certain they’ll be able to get home if they arrange a meal here. 

“It is a difficult time for the licensed trade and these disruptions don’t help. We’d like to assure our customers that we are open despite the closures although we are forced to close a little earlier in the evenings.”  

Jake has been the landlord since taking over the pub in January this year, re-opening the landmark pub after an 18-month closure. 

National Highways’ spokesman said that due to "adverse weather conditions", the works have been extended by one week’s worth of additional overnight closures.

The new, expected completion time and date is 6am on Saturday, November 9.

He added: "Along with resurfacing the stretch we’re also replacing road markings and road studs, doing drainage maintenance, and removing trees affected by Ash die-back. 

“This all means there will be fewer closures in the future.  

“This is a single carriageway stretch of the A31 with two-way traffic. While the road is closed at night there will be no night time access through our work. 

“If you live or work within our closure and need to come and go, please wait to be escorted through our work at the closure points which are on The Street, Bere Road and Townends Roundabout.”