(Image: T&A)
A family-run cafe fears it may not survive after a sharp drop in visitors.
Golden Linings, on Bethel Street in Brighouse, has seen a fall in footfall since town centre roadworks began.
The business is owned by Christina Hulme, 35, from Bailiff Bridge, her partner Chris Allan, and her sister-in-law Kathryn Maude and her husband, Jack.
On October 7, they said on social media that just one customer had visited all day, forcing them to close early.
In terms of the roadworks, Calderdale Council says it will "continue to listen to feedback from businesses and shoppers to try and minimise any disruption as much as we can".
Miss Hulme has since told the T&A that the business is on the market.
The cafe is on sale for £39,995.
In operation since 2024
The family took over the play cafe in November 2024, then expanded it to attract more visitors and host classes.
Golden Linings offers baby classes, ballet, massage and other sessions upstairs, while the main cafe serves hot drinks and sweet and savoury treats.
As a former teacher, Miss Hulme said she is passionate about creating a play environment that is "inviting, educational and exciting" for children but this may all have to come to an end if business doesn't improve.
Christina Hulme (right) and a cafe employee (left) (Image: T&A)
She blames the roadworks
Miss Hulme told the T&A: "Unfortunately, since the roadworks in the town have started, we have seen a decline in visitors and sales."
The cafe manager said the business recently met an Esh Construction public liaison officer, whose company is carrying out the work for Calderdale Council as part of the Brighouse town-centre regeneration programme.
She added: "We have been made aware the works are moving directly outside our business from December 2 through to early spring.
"This means the car park we and our customers use on Bethel street will be closed from this date [December 2] too.
"This is a huge worry for us as a small family-run business and we fear we will not survive this upheaval.
"Currently, our family play café is up for sale which is a bittersweet situation as it has grown so much since 2024 but we worry it won’t find a new owner as they will be put off by the roadworks.
In response, Michael Sherrard, construction manager at Esh Construction, said: "Esh is delivering the works on behalf of Calderdale Council as part of the wider regeneration programme for Brighouse town centre.
"We recognise that construction activity can cause temporary disruption and we are working closely with the council, local businesses and stakeholders throughout the project.
"Every effort is being made to minimise impacts while delivering improvements that will provide long-term benefits for the town."
Community supporting following social post
The teacher-turned-cafe manager said her local community had "rallied round" after she shared her experience online.
But she added: "this is not consistent, or a solution long term and we worry the works could be the end of our play cafe if footfall takes more of a hit."
She said the team had kept in regular contact with the construction company, stressing the need for clear, timely updates on access and disruption so families could plan visits.
'We are all supporting each other'
Miss Hulme said the impact of the roadworks extends beyond her own cafe.
She said: "A lot of the businesses in Brighouse are small family-owned businesses and it is such a shame to see so much effort being put into these businesses to keep them afloat currently.
"We are all supporting each other and trying to stay positive but we worry the roadworks will take their toll on us all long term."
Balancing needs
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, Cllr Darren Commons, said: “Brighouse has some fantastic independent shops and businesses, and we know it already has a lot to offer visitors.
“The multi-million pound Town Deal improvements are about giving the high street an extra boost, making it a place where even more people choose to visit, shop, spend time and money and enjoy all that’s great about the town.
“We understand the impact of the ongoing works, and we continue to listen to feedback from businesses and shoppers to try and minimise any disruption as much as we can.
"This includes retaining access for customers, staff and deliveries and accommodating requests where possible.
“It’s important that the changes in the town will bring the desired benefits and we’ve already reviewed the scheme to keep parking spaces and maintain through traffic on Commercial Street.
"We’ve also paused planned increases to parking tariffs in the town, to allow for further review and consideration.
“We know that the run up to Christmas is an incredibly important time for small businesses and we will be supporting a marketing campaign to promote key seasonal events in Brighouse and remind people that the town is open for business, with parking available, and so much on offer, all year round, for both residents and visitors.”
Interested in buying the cafe? Email hello@goldenlinings.co.uk for a sales pack.