A Fenland sports bar and smokehouse has issued a desperate plea to customers amid "dwindling footfall" and rising costs. 

Claire Smethurst said she could be forced to close the Three Lions Sports Bar and the Black Rock Grill and Smokehouse in the New Year unless business improves. 

Mrs Smethurst and her husband Daniel opened the Three Lions in 2021 with a traditional pub menu, but found competing with big chain pubs difficult. 

The pair then opened the Black Rock Grill and Smokehouse in 2022, offering customers a range of homemade burgers and steak dishes sourced from a local butcher. 

Despite positive feedback to the restaurant's "unique menu" and social media advertising, Mrs Smethurst said they had seen a reduction in customers in recent months which have "proven challenging". 

She told Cambs Times: "The rising costs of energy bills as well as wholesale costs are off the scale which makes it really hard to compete, especially when fewer people are walking through the door. 

"I know its hard for everyone at the moment, but for businesses it's particularly hard and we can't transfer the increased cost of bills onto our customers because that just wouldn't be fair. 

"We employ lots of local people and use local suppliers for everything - we're a truly local outfit. We're not a huge company that's going to pay the CEO millions; we're just trying to make ends meet in a town that we've lived in for 17 years. 

"We've really got to work hard to protect the independent pubs and restaurants in March which should be thriving. So please, come along and support us."

In addition to rising production costs, Mrs Smethurst said the regeneration of the town centre has "significantly" reduced footfall to a number of businesses in the area. 

The £8.4 million transformation of March town centre is due to be complete by the end of October, Fenland District Council confirmed in September. 

The work includes a revamp of March Market Place, riverside enhancement works, improvement grants for businesses and pedestrianising the town centre.

The aim of the scheme is to "help the town adapt to the changing retail environment and meet the needs of current and future generations as the town continues to grow".

Mrs Smethurst said: "I know March will look lovely once the works are completed but at the moment, no one wants to drive though because it gets so busy. 

"There's been a lot of traffic and I think people have avoided coming into town generally because it's just so messy. 

"There's just so much more traffic around at the moment, and I do think that's been a factor for a lot of the businesses I've spoken to in the town."

The Three Lions Sports Bar and Black Rock Grill Smokehouse is on 106 High Street, March. 

It is open Monday to Sunday from 9am to 9pm.