A Staffordshire visitor destination is reminding customers that it’s business as usual seven days a week as a major bridge refurbishment progresses nearby on schedule.
Bishton Hall, which is located just off the A51 at Wolseley Bridge near Little Haywood, is a thriving hub of independent traders, with picturesque gardens without admission cost and free parking.
Staffordshire County Council’s highways team is carrying out an extensive 24-week refurbishment of the nearby canal bridge which carries the A51 towards the A513 junction. Works will include a new ground beam installation, repairing walls and resurfacing – strengthening and protecting it for years to come.
The scheme has been scheduled to take in the school summer holidays to minimise disruption, while temporary traffic lights ensure the road remains open.
A short section of Bishton Lane close to the bridge is closed while work takes place, but Bishton Hall can be accessed via the main junction onto Bellamour Lane as usual.
Bishton Hall is dog-friendly venue includes a tearoom, antique valuer, gift shop, dog groomer, gin distillery and more. It’s getting ready for a busy half-term week where people can enjoy the Halloween Market this Sunday 25 October from 11am to 3pm, Pup-kin Patch event for dogs on the same day and Sparrows Tearooms’ autumn treats. People can find out more on Bishton Hall's Facebook page.
Hollie Stansfield has been Commercial Manager at Bishton Hall for four years.
She said that while it was important that the road and bridge were maintained through county council investment, it was vital that people knew Bishton Hall remained open seven days a week as normal throughout the works.
We’re just reminding people that we’re here and open for business, with a busy autumn schedule and our Christmas programme. We have so many fantastic independent businesses, and the courtyard is now fully occupied. We offer a relaxed and enjoyable morning or afternoon out in beautiful surroundings, with our grounds and gardens open free of charge.
Our fantastic Sparrow’s Tearoom in the courtyard has built up a loyal customer base, and as a visitor destination that’s still growing, we want everyone to know that we’re here, we’re open, and we’re ready to welcome you. Everything remains fully accessible, and signage is in place near the works to help visitors find us with ease.
We also continue to offer our weekly valuation days with Hansons Auctioneers and Valuers which are taking place as normal despite the road closure, so please do pop along with your treasures.”
Patrick Allen, Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet support member for highways, said:
We’re carrying out an extensive refurbishment of Wolseley canal bridge which is an essential job, but we want to let everyone know that they can access all businesses in the area as usual. Our team has ensured there are signs near the works site to inform motorists of this. We’re pleased that the scheme is running on schedule and look forward to its completion in December. Our priority is to maintain our roads to the highest standard for businesses and communities.
It was great to visit Bishton Hall which is one of Staffordshire’s hidden gems and see so many thriving small businesses here at an attractive visitor location. We don’t want any business, especially those off our main routes, to be impacted by works and so we’d encourage people to visit what is a hidden gem of a Staffordshire visitor attraction.
While some delays are unfortunately inevitable, every effort has been made to minimise disruption through works scheduling and traffic management methods. We’d like to thank people for their understanding while work is carried out.”
People are also reminded that the new 151 Stone to Rugeley bus service calls at Wolseley Bridge, providing an alternative transport option to the location.
