AN upset publican has written a ‘letter to Santa’ airing his grievances with the handling of lockdowns and the impact on businesses like his.

Tom West, 38, runs the Red Lion pub in Manningtree and is fearful nothing has changed for public services like his since the start of the previous lockdowns.

Mr West, who also runs the Marlborough Head pub in Dedham, said he would also like to see compensation from the government.

He admitted the uncertainty for hospitality, especially around Christmas, was “petrifying”.

He added he fears “we are back to the start of previous lockdowns”.

Mr West said: “I’m OK with being closed, I’m not OK with taking unnecessary financial gambles and risk in business whilst waiting for our leaders to decide their next steps.

“Businesses are wondering what support there may or may not be, whilst politicians highlight the current support, businesses rates and VAT.

“Business rates reductions are a reduction of a cost we need to meet, and the VAT cut only helps if we are generating sales.”

Jolly Good Pubs is a group of pubs that the Red Lion falls under.

In his letter Tom outlines the issues Jolly Good Pubs have faced to highlight the problem’s severity.

He said: “Jolly Good Pubs have experienced cancellations totalling over £20,000 for December, a month that traditionally provided solid profits for the year could now be a loss-making festive period.

“But what concerns me most isn’t the losses, it’s the morale of our staff who’ve stuck with us, now worried they might not have money for Christmas and January.

“Hospitality staff are the best and we are at risk of a second mass exodus.”

Tom’s demands for what he would like to see in a government leader include someone who is honest and clear.

 He said: “Someone who tells businesses there is a plan and what that plan is i.e. - we are locking down in January and furlough will return etc.”

Signing off, Tom says all he wants for Christmas is a leader.