A PUB claims work to electrify the rail line at Stratton Green will have an horrendous impact on customer numbers over the next few months.

The bridge in Swindon Road is to be closed for 20 weeks from November 17 as part of Network Rail’s project to electrify the Great Western line.

Pedestrians and cyclists will be permitted to cross, but motor vehicles will be forced to use a diversion taking them as far west as the Transfer Bridges.

The first electric signboards were posted along Swindon Road last week between the roundabout at the Greenbridge Retail Park and the double roundabout at the bottom of Grange Drive to warn commuters of the closure.

Network Rail said it had done all it could to inform people of the work.

But Scott Cager, shift leader at The Dockle Farmhouse pub, said information about the programme had been sparse, and that it would hit sales hard.

“We found out after reading the Adver, actually,” he said.

“It was really disappointing that they didn’t think to speak to us, consult with us or even inform us about what they were going to do. It’s really going to affect us in a major way since it’s the road which most of our customers use to get here.

“Customers will probably have to go all the way up to the Moonrakers and back round to get here now.

“It’s meant we’ve had to change all our sales forecasts up to Christmas.

“We really rely on passing trade, so it’s going to really affect our sales for the best part of six months.

“We just want to remind everyone that we’re keeping our trading hours as normal and we’ll still be here.”

Network Rail says the closure is necessary to carry out essential works to improve service.

A Network Rail spokesman said: “We are sorry to hear that The Dockle Farmhouse was not aware of the temporary closure of Stratton Green bridge for electrification work.

“As soon as we became aware of the need for a closure, we worked closely with the council and other local organisations to ensure that everyone who could potentially be affected was informed.

“This has included working with the Chamber of Commerce to distribute information to their members, radio interviews, press notices, speaking with local schools, briefings with parish and ward councillors, and a drop-in event for the public.

“While we understand the concerns of the local community, the closure of this bridge is necessary in order to prepare it for electrification and the benefits this will bring.

“These benefits include reduced journey times and train services that are more comfortable, smoother and quieter for passengers and people living near the railway.”

Darren Gee, manager of the nearby New Inn, said many regulars came from areas such as Liden, Nythe and Park North, who usually reached the pub via the Greenbridge Roundabout and Stratton Green Bridge.

He said: “We have a lot of regulars and locals who come from that side. There are a number of darts teams and pool teams who come here for matches too.

“I couldn’t believe it when I saw the plan.”