LOSS of earnings, roadworks and spiralling costs have forced a Newton Abbot butcher shop to close for a fortnight.

A favourite haunt for many, Queen Street Butchers says its turnover has dropped by half since the joint Devon County Council and Teignbridge District Council venture to enhance Queen Street began, in particular, the shop points to the loss of on-street parking spaces that it says was ‘unwanted’.

‘To add insult to injury, the current never ending roadworks have now spread to the Avenue, it has simply killed our trade and with all the other spiralling costs, we are just losing money by opening at this time’ the butcher shop said.

As a result, the popular butchers announced on Monday, February 3, that it would be closing for two weeks.

The road-works to the Avenue and part of Queen Street are expected to be competed by February 14, though further gas works in Newton Abbot will take place in the latter half of February.

But Teignbridge District Council’s executive member for economic development, Cllr David Palethorpe, says he hopes affected businesses, Queen Street Butchers among them, can seek compensation.

Cllr David Palethorpe said: ‘The Queen Street enhancement project is progressing well, with wider footpaths improving access for residents.

‘Businesses have collaborated with TDC and Newton Abbot Town Council to utilise £30,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to promote commerce across the town.

‘It’s encouraging to see new businesses opening on Queen Street, reflecting confidence in Newton Abbot’s future.

‘However, the concurrent major gas works, especially along Queen Street from Albany Street towards the station, have adversely affected businesses.

‘While TDC did not control the gas works, I hope affected businesses can seek compensation for lost trade from the responsible contractors.’