Family forced to close business after 34 years thanks to crippling roadworks

Devastated owners of a family furniture company say they will have to pull the shutters down after 34 years because of temporary traffic lights.

Stephen Padgett Furniture has been trading in Division Lane in Blackpool for more than three decades.

Brothers Richard and Chris say they've lost £40,000 in cash flow since restricted access to the site thanks to temporary traffic lights has caused a decrease in customer numbers.

Initially, the brothers planned to close shop in August 2024, but now say they will have to lock up a whole year earlier.

The roadworks have been in place since December to enable a new access road to be built for sports pitches at the Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone.

The duo say they have been left with no choice but close in August 2023 (lancs live)

Chris told LancashireLive: “We wanted to finish in August next year when we wanted to, rather than be pushed into it by the roadworks.

“But we have lost around £40,000 in cash flow and Richard and I haven’t taken a wage for the last month.

"At different times there have been diversion signs in place at either end of Division Lane, so there has been lots of confusion and customers have just given up.”

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.

The business, which specialises in pine and oak, was founded by Stephen Padgett and his wife Marylyn (lancs live)

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.

Richard said: “People come in with their measurements and we make what they want and have always been sticklers for quality. It’s heartbreaking to think this lovely business we have had for 34 years is slipping away from us.”

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.

Blackpool Council has also re-opened the junction between Midgeland Road and Division Lane to provide additional access for residents and businesses.

A council spokesperson said: “The works on Common Edge Road are essential to open the new £6m sports pavilion, changing rooms and pitches and have to be completed this year as there is a time limit on the Town Deal funding for the works.”

The Mirror contacted Blackpool Council for a comment.