Lamb takes up plea for compensation for Smallburgh store

6.36.51pm UTC (GMT +0000) Sat 18th Sep 2004

The sub-postmaster of Smallburgh Post Office and Stores, David Sheppard, is fearing a significant impact on trade during a 5 day period of resurfacing of the A149 through Smallburgh. Norman Lamb has written to the County Council and the Deputy Prime Minister to represent Mr Sheppard's calls for compensation due to loss of business.

"Here we have a small post office and village store which is going to lose a significant amount on income during the period of road resurfacing," said Mr Lamb. "I have raised the problem of lack of compensation for small businesses affected by works of this nature with the Deputy Prime Minister. Small businesses who are struggling to survive as it is are often severely

affected by road closures. Mr Sheppard's business has already been hit by the withdrawal of services which used to be provided by the post office.

"I am also concerned that the County Council put out warning notices a mere five days before the work was due to start. I have asked the Council if there is any guidance on the amount of notice given, so that businesses can prepare for the disruption to their trade."