Trader fury at festive roadworks

Traders in Dorset are warning roadworks planned during the run-up to Christmas will be the "final nail in the coffin" for some businesses.

Network Rail wants to replace a bridge in Ashley Road in Boscombe, forcing the closure of the main road for two months from around the middle of October.

Traders say they will lose thousands of pounds a month over the festive period.

Network Rail said the work was essential and that it was still in discussions on the exact start date.

Steve Kent, chairman of the Boscombe Traders Association, said the problems had been compounded with ongoing gas works for the last year in the nearby Christchurch Road.

I hope it won't be a disaster for traders and we need to make sure we do everything we can to help Councillor Lisa Northover

He said: "With the last few months with the gas works some businesses have been losing thousands of pounds every month.

"Ashley Road is the main artery route... in December usually 20,000 cars use that road.

"It would have been better if the work was pushed into January or February.

"Losing the Ashley Road access will definitely put a final nail in the coffin for some businesses."

Councillor Lisa Northover said the council had the same notice from Network Rail as the businesses.

She said: "I hope it won't be a disaster for traders and we need to make sure we do everything we can to help.

"I agree it would be better if it happened in the new year but we found out the same time as the traders... the council did not have much say."

She said the authority would seek more power in the future to decide when roadworks can start and promised diversions would be publicised nearer to the planned start in October.

A Network Rail spokesperson said: "We are still in discussions with Bournemouth Borough Council to agree the dates for the work to go ahead.

"If the bridge is not replaced at the end of this year it could lead to traffic restrictions being imposed and a higher level of disruption."