People are being urged to find out what their independent town centre businesses have to offer in Burton as a nine-month road project nears completion.
Work is due to be completed on the Station Street and Union Street cycleway project on September 18.
Completion of the Department of Transport-funded programme will bring to an end weeks of disruption – as a busy carriageway was transformed, kerbs re-aligned and cycle tracks introduced.
The aim is to reduce congestion and boost footfall as well as making cycling a safer and more attractive way to travel.
One of the firms calling on residents and potential customers to think local is The Dial on Station Street.
After operating solely as a restaurant since the Covid pandemic, The Dial run by husband-and-wife team James and Emily Weeks has reopened tables for customers simply wanting to enjoy a cocktail or other drink.
James said: “Our staff often mention how they miss those customers who just come in for a drink so it would be lovely to have them back.”
The bar restaurant, pictured above, opened in the heart of Burton in 2002 and it quickly became renowned for its variety of cocktails.
James said: “It was a really tough first couple of years, where people often said to us this will never work in Burton and I think that drove us on more than anything. We were determined to make sure it would and here we are 20 years later.”
Helping young people into employment is another top priority for the Burton business.
The Dial is currently on the lookout for two chef apprentices to work with their talented team of 16 – many of whom were recruited from the restaurant’s apprenticeship scheme.
Anyone interested in applying for the apprenticeship can email: [email protected].
Staffordshire County Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for economy and skills Philip White said: “Our independent businesses are an invaluable part of our town centres and as a county council supporting them is one of our priorities.
“We understand recent works in the town centre have caused disruption, but we hope ultimately the project will help to reduce congestion and boost footfall in Burton.”
