St Neots is set to lose two businesses in August after struggling to boost footfall while work continues in the Market Square.

Sue Noades, who owns Betty Bumbles Vintage Tea Rooms and Bertie's Cocktail Bar, has made the decision to close the doors on both of her ventures.

The news comes after Ms Noades set up a petition, directed at Huntingdonshire District Council, to compensate local businesses that are affected by improvement works in St Neots Market Square.

Ms Noades said that the work was "disruptive" and had led to both of her businesses being unable to turn a profit. She demanded "suitable compensation" from the council to financially support her. 

While her petition amassed more than 800 signatures, it was not enough for her businesses to continue and she has since confirmed that they will both close this month. 

Bertie's Cocktail Bar, which is tucked away above the tea room, will close on August 17 when Ms Noades hosts a farewell party to say goodbye to her customers. Betty Bumbles Vintage Tea Rooms will close the following weekend.

In a statement, Ms Noades said: "It has been an absolute pleasure to meet so many lovely customers, create new cocktails and pride ourselves on supplying some of the best cocktails in the area."

She said she is "sad and disappointed" that she has felt she has no other choice but to close her businesses. 

St Neots lost another much-loved café earlier in 2024 when the Art & Soul Café closed its doors in May.

The space is now being used as a temporary Priory Centre by St Neots Town Council while work begins to revamp the original building used by the council.