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05
Apr 2024
Harrogate businesses ‘trying their best to survive’ Kex Gill closure
Harrogate businesses on the A59 say they are trying to navigate income loss due to a closure at Kex Gill.
The road is the main route between Harrogate and Skipton and closed on February 2 after a crack appeared in the verge. It is set to remain closed until at least July.
North Yorkshire Council said repair work costing £750,000 will begin on April 15. Irish construction firm Sisk, which is carrying out the nearby £68.8 million three-mile realignment, has been appointed to undertake the work. Ivor King will carry out specialist steel sheet piling.
But, businesses which are based on the route say the closure has had a significant impact on trade.
Kex Gill, A59
David Suttill, owner of Mackenzies Farm Shop and Café took over the business in November last year and said trade was high through until January and "then overnight things changed due to the road closure".
Mr Suttill told the Stray Ferret his business takings had fallen by a quarter, around 20% of food is wasted and he has even had to lay off two members of staff. He added the business used to average 150 to 250 customers a day and now they average 50 customers a week.
He said:
Mr Suttill called on the council to help local businesses. He said:
Fewston farm shop and café
Another farm shop and cafe affected by the Kex Gill closure is Fewston farm shop and café. Lee Abbott, owner of the business, runs the site alongside his wife and said sales have halved since the road closure.
Mr Abbott said:
He added the café is seeing food waste like Mackenzies and called on the council to make change. He said:
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