A VILLAGE pub in Nevern, Pembrokeshire, has reported a loss of up to £20,000 due to a water pipe leak. The Trewern Arms has experienced water shortages on at least five occasions this year as a result of a fault in a pipe within the area.
Owner James Miller expressed his frustration, stating that the pub has been forced to close its doors due to the lack of water, which is particularly unhelpful during a time when they need the trade. He highlighted the financial impact, estimating that the business has lost between £10,000 and £20,000 in turnover and has also incurred damage to equipment.
In addition to the financial losses, Miller expressed concerns about the reputational costs that are difficult to quantify. The Trewern Arms, a 16th-century inn and a popular spot for walkers and tourists, has been unable to provide water to hotel guests at times, impacting their ability to provide food and causing potential customers to seek alternatives.
Assistant manager Billy Howells shared his apprehension, stating that the pub is at risk of losing money every day, and if things don’t improve, there may not be a business to sustain. This comes as an added worry for the hospitality industry, which has already faced challenges following the pandemic and rising costs.
Miller revealed that he has contacted Welsh Water multiple times, urging them to replace the faulty pipe. He expressed his desire for Welsh Water to take responsibility and rectify the situation rather than passing the costs onto small businesses like his own. He also requested reimbursement for the damages incurred, including ruined equipment and premium bedding that was stained by the discoloured water.
Welsh Water apologised for the disruptions caused to customers in the area and confirmed that they are planning to replace the affected section of the pipe. They assured that they would provide further information to the affected customers regarding the timeline for the planned work.
The situation faced by the Trewern Arms highlights the difficulties encountered by small businesses when dealing with infrastructure issues beyond their control. The financial losses suffered by the pub and the concerns over reputational damage illustrate the significant impact such incidents can have on local establishments.
