**Pencoed Business Owner Shuts Up Shop After ‘Final Straw’: Roadworks and the Rising Cost of Living Bite**
A much-loved independent pasta takeaway in Pencoed, Bridgend, has been forced to close its doors after more than a decade in business. As economic pressures continue to mount for small businesses across the UK, Lilo’s – owned and operated by Chloe Evans – has become the latest casualty in what many fear is an escalating crisis for the high street.
Lilo’s had built up a loyal customer base since it first opened 11 years ago. Chloe, who started the venture during her university days, described the experience as a dream come true. The business, which began life as a street food camper van, eventually expanded to two bricks-and-mortar premises, first in Pencoed and later in Cardiff. However, Chloe says that the economic climate, compounded by an avoidable blow this Easter, led her to make the heartbreaking decision to shut up shop.
Chloe attributes Lilo’s closure to a combination of rising costs and a lack of support for small business owners. She describes “soaring national insurance, staff wages, and food costs” as relentless challenges that had steadily eroded her margins. Despite her determination to weather the storm by absorbing additional costs herself, she admits it had simply become unsustainable: “I realised I’d have to charge at least a pound more per meal just to cover rising costs. That isn’t fair on our customers, and it’s not a position we should be put in.”
The tipping point came during one of the busiest trading periods of the year. Over the Easter bank holiday, Lilo’s was forced to close unexpectedly following a road closure instigated by Wales & West Utilities. The closure, to facilitate non-emergency gas works from 18 to 21 April, effectively cut the business off from both passing trade and delivery drivers. Chloe estimates she lost around £4,000 as a result.
Reflecting on the decision to carry out the roadworks at such a crucial time, Chloe says: “It just seemed baffling – why would essential works be scheduled over the busiest weekend for local businesses? I only found out from a note stuck on a lamppost. There was no direct communication, no proper warning. I felt invisible.” She later learned the compensation scheme only supported businesses closed for 28 days or more – leaving Lilo’s without recourse.
Despite assurances from Wales & West Utilities that signage was in place to indicate businesses were open, Chloe recounts that potential new customers were left unaware, and delivery drivers abandoned their orders once realising the road was blocked. “We recently had a video go viral on TikTok, so a lot of people were planning to visit for the first time – but couldn’t,” she recalls, frustrated at the lost opportunities.
Lilo’s closure also dealt a blow to local community life and employment. Chloe explains that her staff lost out on work that weekend, and like many independents, she was unable to support them financially during this forced shutdown. “Big chains can afford to absorb these costs – or bully their way to a better deal. Small business owners are just left to fend for themselves,” she says, drawing attention to what she sees as an unfair playing field.
Wales & West Utilities, for their part, say the works were carefully coordinated with Bridgend Council and Network Rail to minimise disruption, selecting the Easter holidays as the least impactful window. They also say footpaths were kept open, diversion signs were installed, and efforts were made to alert the public that businesses remained trading.
Yet, the outcome for Lilo’s is clear. On 3 May, Chloe took to social media to announce the permanent closure, describing the decision as “incredibly difficult.” She thanked her customers for over a decade of support: “This business has been built on passion and hard work. But after 11 unforgettable years, it’s time for a new chapter.”
Chloe’s story is a stark reminder of the fragility of independent businesses in today’s economic climate. As she closes the book on Lilo’s, she voices a rising fear among small business owners – that she may only be the first of many forced to make such a decision in the months ahead. In the words of Chloe Evans: “It’s hard to find the right words. I’m just so grateful to everyone who walked through our doors.”