The Boathouse Shelly Beach and Bower Restaurant ask customers for help following storm

The part-closure of the Manly-to-Shelly footpath is a disaster, says an up-market restaurant keen to let people know they’re still open.

The Boathouse has lost a significant amount of business following the storm damage. Managers Simon Henry and Mel Kushkarian wants residents to know they are still trading.

• 3m metal fence with spike erected to keep out disaster selfie hunters
• Manly-to-Shelly footpath smashed and toilet block washed away

Businesses  along the Manly-to-Shelly footpath are appealing to the community not to forget them.

Mel Kushkarian, manager at The Boathouse Shelly Beach, said the closure of the walkway between Fairy Bower and Manly had been devastating for business.

“We are losing a significant amount of business,” said Ms Kushkarian. “We’ve not let anyone go, but staff are working less hours.”

A handwritten note at Fairy Bower points customers towards The Boathouse at Shelly Beach, which is now not accessible via the Manly-to-Shelly footpath.

The Boathouse can still be accessed via Bower St and is open from 7am.

Hardy Schacker, 38, owner of The Bower Restaurant, said he had let six casual staff go and was still waiting to hear from his insurance company.

Although the cafe had reopened­­ immediately after the storm, just selling coffees, it was now shut while work was being carried out.

Owner of The Bower Restaurant Hardy Schacker outside the damaged cafe. Picture: Annika Enderborg.

However, he said he would soon launch a crowdfunding site with a difference, where people could pledge an amount of cash in return for a voucher they could redeem in the cafe when it reopens in September.

“We will not be asking people for money for nothing,” said Mr Schacker who was grateful to all his customers who had come to see him.

“We are asking people for their loyalty.” He said it would help with cashflow problems. Two stores either side of The Bower Restaurant are also closed.

A sturdy 3m high metal fence with spikes is being built at Fairy Bower and Shelly Beach to keep out runner and selfie hunters.

A council spokesman said there was damage to the path, underground utilities, rock wall and faces, with perhaps more unknown damages and dangers to surface.

“This is a complicated project because of the utilities and geotechnical issues and we are working around the clock to get it as fixed as soon as we can.”

Details of the crowdfunding site will be published on the cafe website when live. Go to thebowerrestaurant.com.au.

Pedestrians are being re-routed around damaged path.

The broken sculpture at Fairy Bower rock pool in Manly. Picture: Lee Godtchalk.