'Distressed' MP vows to do all she can to halt hospitality slide

SUPPORT is being pledged to a struggling Newcastle hospitality industry as city MP Chi Onwurah admits to being “distressed” to hear of the recent spate of sudden closures.

- BARBARA HODGSON

The city has lost a succession of much-loved restaurants and pubs in recent weeks including Leila Lily's, Horticulture, Hard Rock Cafe and The Earl of Pitt Street. And with increased burdens of high energy costs, rent rises, business rates and increased National Insurance taking a heavy toll, there are fears that more businesses could follow suit.

Newcastle City Council and Chi Onwurah have been quick to voice their support for the local industry with the Newcastle Central and West MP, who is shadow minister for industrial strategy, science and innovation, saying that she would happy to listen to any businesses wanting to get in touch with their concerns. “Newcastle is famous the world over for its wonderful nightlife and it delivers such a contribution to our local economy,’ she said.

While the hospitality trade tends to see a “natural turnover’, she said she found it “distressing to hear of businesses closing, especially when they've built up a loyal clientele and I'm distressed to hear of so many closing at once”.