The owners of a long-standing Blackpool business have blasted roadworks which they say led to the demise of their firm after 34 years.
Initially, brothers Richard and Chris had planned to close in August 2024. Now the pair, who took over the business from their parents, say they have been left with no choice but to bring the decision forward to August 2023.Intermittent roadworks have been in place including in December last year, and during spring this year, to enable a new access road to be built for sports pitches at the Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone.
The business, which specialises in pine and oak, was founded by Stephen Padgett and his late wife Marilyn with Chris, 54, and Richard, 52, joining shortly after. They have customers across Lancashire and further afield, with the majority of the furniture made on site by craftsman Richard, while Chris concentrates on furniture staining, sales and deliveries.
At its height the business employed up to 10 staff, but has just one long-standing employee left. The roadworks are due to be completed by the end of May, with the final resurfacing of the road taking place from May 30 to 2 June 2 as an evening and overnight road closure.