Northumberland County Council's arms-length development company has rejected claims it was to blame for the closure of a popular restaurant in Blyth.
Marc and Allison McPake, the owners of seafood restaurant Caboose, announced the closure of the much-loved venue last week and blamed a huge downturn in trade on the construction site of the new Energy Central Campus in Blyth, which has extended into the restaurant's car park.
The energy campus is being delivered by Advance Northumberland, which is wholly owned by the county council. Work got under way just two months ago, and since then Caboose saw an 80% downturn in trade.
Read more: Forum Books in Corbridge wins Independent Bookshop of the Year title - again
However, at a meeting of the council's corporate services and economic growth overview and scrutiny meeting on Monday, officials from the company said they had done all they could to support the business and the owners.
Andrew Mowbray, head of project management at Advance, said: "It is a difficult one. The first thing to say is they are a tenant of the port of Blyth and they have been kept informed throughout the development of what will be taking place on that site.
"The construction site is right outside their front door and there is nothing we can do about that. He has taken the decision that he doesn't want to continue with his business. It has been a struggle for a number of months due to the various other factors in the economy.
"Some of the claims that were made around the construction site have been grossly exaggerated. We provided a temporary car park and signage to alert customers that he was open for business.
"We have met with him, with the local MP, with councillors and the port of Blyth on two occasions to see what we can do to support him. The impact of the construction project has not been the cause of his demise."
Mr Mowbray's remarks came after questions from Labour councillor Alex Wallace, who represents the Sleekburn ward.
He said: "We have had the closure of the most successful restaurant in Blyth, and I'm afraid Advance and the Port of Blyth got the blame square between their eyes. Caboose was very successful, punching above it's weight successfully.
"I would love to have something like it in Bedlington. Can you tell me if you what measures you took to protect an existing company?
"The owner has fought through the pandemic and through everything else, and four editions of Come Dine With Me! It is a loss. I think this is an opportunity for you to tell your side of the story."
Speaking after the meeting, Mr McPake denied the claim his business had been in trouble for months.
He said: "Three weeks ago we were advertising for more staff. Trade was down because of the cost of living crisis and energy costs, but we weren't struggling at all.
"The business took a turn for the worse when the building site opened on the car park."
Mr McPake added that he had raised concerns about car parking, noise, dust and aesthetics in meetings with developers, but felt none of these had been addressed.
Read more:
- Council leader pledges to 'bend over backwards' to deliver Cambois gigafactory
- ITV's Raoul Moat drama produced by same team behind hit shows Line of Duty, Bodyguard and Vigil
- Man in court accused of flashing genitals while at work at Cobalt Business Park
- Beaches to avoid after sewage leaks - including Cullercoats and Blyth
- Teenage boys who tragically died in Morpeth car crash remembered as best friends who were like 'brothers'
