Stein work angers village businesses

Development work Rick Stein is carrying out in a fishing village in Cornwall is angering local businesses.

The celebrity chef already operates three restaurants, a bistro, cafe, training centre and other outlets in Padstow.

Now he is developing the Prospect House building next to St Petroc's Hotel, which he also owns. Other companies say the extent of the work and hassle caused by it is losing them money.

Elaine Kenyon, who runs fish and chip shop Chip Ahoy, commented: "My deliveries can't park in the road because of the work. No one has come and apologised for the disruption."

Tony Rickard, from a B&B opposite the hotel, added: "At Easter a family came to stay but were unable to get anywhere near and had to find somewhere else. We have since had to cancel all future bookings for the summer season."

Stein defended the work in a letter to traders which pointed out the attention he had brought to the town.

He wrote: "I am not denying that our building work is causing a nuisance, but I feel some co-operation on your part would have been helpful.

"I would be charmed if those other businesses that have benefited from the rosy glow of publicity, particularly those whose letting season has been considerably extended, could have shown some sort of recognition for the work done."