Traders in Woodstock have shared their reactions to the European summit taking place at Blenheim Palace tomorrow (July 18).
Keir Starmer will welcome more than 45 leaders from neighbouring countries as he seeks to forge an ambitious new UK-EU security pact to strengthen cooperation and closer work on defence with key allies such as France and Germany.
There will be multiple road closures in place in the area during and after the European Political Community meeting.
Over the last month Thames Valley Police have warned of delays on the road network near Blenheim Palace while the summit takes place.
READ MORE: Over 45 European leaders to join summit at Blenheim Palace
The force has also tightened security measures ahead of the summit.
Chris Brewster owns the Back Lane Tavern, a pub located on Park Lane in Woodstock, and The Duke of Malborough on the perimeter of Woodstock.
He said he is "dumbfounded" at the lack of "warning and communication" as a business owner ahead of the event.
He said: "There are signs absolutely everywhere saying please avoid area on these dates, and I can confidently say it will have a negative impact on us as business owners, especially for me in the hospitality sector.
"Anyone with any common sense knows it will not bring business to the area.
“I know a lot of business owners have simply decided to shut tomorrow.”
Mr Brewster said that his bookings for the Back Lane Tavern are down by over half tomorrow.
"You're not allowed buses, staff can’t get to work, customers can't get to the pub because they don’t drive, what benefit is there?
READ MORE: Disruption warning for European summit at Blenheim Palace
"I can't see any benefit to the local businesses whatsoever."
He said he has received a "lot of contradictory information" about how the summit will affect the local area from police.
"I hadn't received a letter or call until very recently, and that’s because they [the police] wanted to use my car park," Mr Brewster said.
He added: "They should have contacted every single business that this was going to affect.
"I’m so surprised that no one had bothered to come and speak to me."
A Thames Valley Police spokesperson said: "We appreciate the impact that the European Political Community meeting has on local residents and businesses and have worked closely with our partners, including the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Oxfordshire County Council and Blenheim Palace to ensure that disruption and inconvenience to our communities is kept to a minimum.
"Together, we have been engaging with those that are likely to be affected in a number of ways including community meetings, local patrols and social media.
“As a significant, international event, hosted by the Prime Minister, there are plans in place to ensure the safety and security of all those in attendance and our local community.”
Pauline, who co-owns Yew Tree House with her partner David, said the summit has impacted her business positively.
Yew Tree House is an apartment on Hensington Road, which guests can book to stay in.
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“Were positively impacted - we're very busy all year round, and we have got people staying tonight and tomorrow.
“What better advertising for us.
“I welcome it.”
She added: “There’s no such thing as bad marketing, so if it puts us on the European map, that will be a good thing as far as I’m concerned.
“I’m looking forward meeting guests.”
Blenheim Palace has also been contacted for comment.
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