Businesses at a Bucks farm have pleaded with the public not to forget about them after fear over HS2 impact on footfall.

Businesses at the Layby Farm in Stoke Mandeville said they are concerned over the impact HS2 is having on them, including the Bucks Goat Centre.

The Goat Centre’s owner Ruth Higgins said she believes people may not see the turning from the road because of disruption caused by the nearby HS2 construction off Risborough Road.

She said: "We are still open as normal, and the animals are happy and unaffected by the works, but the road diversions and closures are a problem. We are appealing to visitors not to forget about us, we are still just the same as ever and are looking forward to a fun summer of activities for families. 

"While you are on site the HS2 works are not an issue and we are the same as ever, it is just getting here which seems to be a problem, and I think we are now less visible from the road so are not getting that passing trade." 

The Obsidian Art Gallery run by Trisha Woodcock is one of the many creative businesses at the farm.

After 21 years at the helm of the gallery, she has now decided to organise the 'One World' Arts and Culture Festival with performances and food on Saturday July 29 to encourage people to the site.

She said: "We have definitely noticed a drop in footfall and it is increasing week on week as the road works go on. This week the Wendover bypass is closed and so is Nash Lee Lane, and it causes people to be put off. 

"That's why we have organised the festival at the end of the month, to encourage people to come back to the site, and then they will realise again how much we have to offer." 

In 2020, a contractor for HS2 entered the Goat Centre site in error and started cutting down hedgerows near a memorial bench dedicated to the farm’s founder.

"It has been a hard road and we have had next to no support from HS2 throughout the process. But we are open, everyone is here and ready to receive visitors, so please support us as we battle on,” Ruth added.

A spokesperson for HS2 Ltd commented: “We are working hard to keep road closures to a minimum and reduce disruption for residents during the construction of the railway. Access for Layby Farm has been maintained throughout our recent works and all local roads are now open.”

For more details and tickets for the 'One World' Arts and Culture Festival at the Bucks Goat Centre click here.