Cigdem Atkins, 49, owner of The Fisherman’s Cottage Pub on the River Kennet reached out to The Chronicle amid a crisis due to the potential closure of her business.

Mrs Atkins bought the establishment with her husband three years ago and saw great success for the duration.

But since the commencement of building work to strengthen and stabilise the riverside retaining wall, the pub has lost significant business.

Reading Chronicle:

“They have shut the whole area,” Mrs Atkins said. “We are outside the town centre, so we rely on cyclists or walkers, but they have blocked the path."

"Locals no longer walk their dogs here because of the building works, so we don’t get their business either.”

The work on the river started two weeks ago. “We had 57 cancellations last weekend because people can’t drive to us."

"We had our electricity go last month and have had to let three members of staff go.”

Mrs Atkins told The Chronicle that she has reached out to the council numerous times but has been told little information and given no help.

“They said they gave us a two-week notice, but I cannot just relocate my pub,” she said.

“They now say the work will go on for three months. I don’t think we will be able to survive.”

A spokesman for the council has said: “Without this essential work this section of the canal path would be deemed impassable."

"While we appreciate the obvious and temporary inconvenience, no compensation is available where a highway authority carries out statutory works.”

He continued: “However, ensuring access remains to businesses is a priority to the Council and we will be visiting the pub next week to discuss their issues.”

People can access The Fisherman's Cottage via the main road at cemetery junction. Their car park postcode is RG1 3HJ.