Pub profits begin to rise again after floods caused 35% drop in its turnover

Linton Bridge over the River Wharfe was the main artery connecting the Windmill Inn at Linton to regular customers in the nearby village of Collingham. But, following its closure, a short stroll across the bridge became an hour long walk or a 20-minute journey by car.

Only months before, the Windmill had been named ‘2015 Community Pub of the Year’. It was cut off from a large part of its customer base for over a year and a half while a major programme was  carried out on the grade two listed bridge.

During that time, sales at the Windmill dropped dramatically. Turnover fell by 35%. Financial help from the council also came in the form of business rate relief in the immediate aftermath of the floods totalling £13,000 and a flood hardship grant of nearly £4,000.

It was a desperate time for landlady Janet Bilton, who took over the pub in 2008, and the team of five full-time and six part-time staff who rely on the pub for their livelihood.

Bilton said: “The last 12 months have been particularly difficult for us and we were really worried that we might not be able to trade through it but the loyalty and commitment of our staff has been amazing. The help we have received from the council has also made a big difference.

”Since the bridge reopened we’ve seen a resurgence in trade and a lot of familiar faces have returned to the pub. Our recent Bonfire Night festivities drew huge crowds and we’ve got a packed festive programme to keep customers coming back.”

The work to repair and strengthen the bridge cost £4.95m, fully funded by the Department for Transport. The project was carried out by contractor AE Yates on behalf of Leeds City Council, working in partnership with Historic England and the Environment Agency.

The total cost to local businesses in lost trade has yet to be calculated but grants and business rate relief worth over £3.5m has been paid to 284 businesses across Leeds to help cover the cost of cleaning up, hardship caused by the floods and the slow process of recovery.

Councillor Richard Lewis, of Leeds City Council, said: “It is fantastic news to hear the Windmill Inn is now firmly back on its feet following a very difficult time for Janet and her staff while Linton Bridge was closed for repair.

“The council was pleased to offer financial support and guidance to such a historic local business and employer, and the scenes of celebration when the bridge reopened reuniting the communities of Linton and Collingham were very special.

“The bridge repair itself was an incredibly complex challenge, and again we need to thank everyone involved with it for a job very well done and the residents of the two communities for being so patient and supportive.”