Angry shopkeepers say profits have plummeted because of disruption caused by filming a new Netflix drama – starring Dame Julie Andrews.
Bridgerton, an upcoming period drama set in the 1800s, is currently being shot in some of the most picturesque parts of Bath, Somerset.
The upcoming Netflix period drama based on Julia Quinn’s best-selling series of novels features Mary Poppins star Dame Julie as Lady Whistledown.
But shops and workers in nearby streets have bemoaned the arrival of crews and want compensation – saying that parking restrictions and cordons have hurt them financially.
Film crews for a new Netflix drama have descended on the city of Bath in Somerset to film scenes from a period drama starring Dame Julie Andrews
Bridgerton, an upcoming period drama set in the 1800s, is currently being shot in some of the most picturesque parts of Bath, Somerset
But shops and workers in nearby streets have bemoaned the arrival of crews and want compensation – saying that parking restrictions and cordons have hurt them financially
The local council said that it was sorry to hear of concerns but businesses had already had the chance to have their say.
Charlotte Rodgers works at Alexandra May Jewellery in Margaret’s Buildings, close to the city’s iconic Royal Crescent.
She said they should get compensation as she claims the nearby Assembly Rooms were recompensed when filming took place there.
She said: ‘When they first filmed in this area back in July, it was the first time in 22 years of business where we have not taken anything on a Saturday.
The new series is set inn Regency-era London, focusing on the ‘sexy, lavish and competitive world of high society’, according to Netflix
Filming tents and screens are set up in front of the 30 Grade-I listed terraced houses on the Royal Crescent, which was built in the 1770s by John Wood, who helped construct much of the city’s stunning Georgian architecture
‘We closed early. There was not a soul about. The whole street took nothing.. I know the museum (at the Assembly Rooms) was compensated but others weren’t.
‘We asked for discussions and that has not happened. We would like compensation.’
Her colleague, Lucinda Kerr, said some areas nearby the shop were cordoned off – turning people away.
She said: ‘This most recent filming has not affected us much but the first time it had a big impact on our takings.
‘They stopped people from crossing certain areas near here and the Assembly Rooms in July for the first bit of filming.
Tanya Haughton-Allen, owner of independent shop Uber Clothing, said the filming negatively affected the street’s businesses
A spokeswoman for Bath and North East Somerset Council (B&NES) said: ‘We are sorry to hear these concerns from businesses’
‘It was dead that time and nobody was around. Generally speaking, it has not been particularly positive.
‘Some bits were cordoned off. I think that people turned away after seeing that and that affected us.’
Filming for the show took place just over a week ago at the Royal Crescent.
Tanya Haughton-Allen, owner of independent shop Uber Clothing, said the filming negatively affected the street’s businesses.
Mary Poppins star Dame Julie Andrews will star as Lady Whistledown
She said: ‘Our takings went down by half. I think they should donate some money to the charity shop, Mercy in Action, at least.
‘This filming is negatively affecting some businesses. We are all independent shops.
‘I don’t begrudge them filming here but I think they should consider compensation, certainly for the charity shop or do something for the street.
‘It is not fair. They even sent in the road sweepers for the film crews and I never see the road sweepers normally.’
Giuseppe Calascione, of Figo Hair Salon, also called for compensation.
He said: ‘It is difficult for us businesses at the moment and this does not help either,’ he said.
‘It (the filming) has a knock-on effect on us. We should get compensation. Why should some get it and not us? Why are they better than us?’
A spokeswoman for Bath and North East Somerset Council (B&NES) said: ‘We are sorry to hear these concerns from businesses.
‘Residents and businesses were informed in advance each time filming took place and were given the opportunity to raise concerns directly with the organisers.
B&NES did not respond to the claim about the museum receiving compensation. Based on Julia Quinn’s bestselling novels, the show is expected to air in 2020
‘The parking restrictions were in effect on six bays in Brock Street and there were no parking suspensions at Catharine Place.
‘Buses were able to continue along their usual routes.’
Bath Film Office did not provide a comment as it is part of B&NES, it was the council who commented on this for both.
B&NES did not respond to the claim about the museum receiving compensation.
Based on Julia Quinn’s bestselling novels, the show is expected to air in 2020.