Road closure like 'lockdown part two', say traders

Nailsworth businesses say roadworks on George Street mean they are struggling

Businesses hit by a drop in trade during a lengthy road closure say they feel as though they are in "lockdown part two".

George Street in Nailsworth, Gloucestershire, was due to close overnight for three nights for resurfacing work in mid-April. More than three weeks later, it is yet to reopen after a digger damaged a gas main.

Gloucestershire County Council said it was working with Wales & West Utilities to address "complications" with the repair. It thanked people for their patience.

Meanwhile traders say they have lost thousands of pounds after footfall "fell off a cliff" across two bank holiday weekends.

Christo Archer owns Waterloo House Cocktail and Wine Bar in George Street. He told the BBC he has seen a 60% drop in trade over the past three weekends.

"This is lockdown part two for us," he said. "We've just got back on our feet."

Christo Archer says there has been a 60% drop-off in trade at his bar

"I've taken out another big loan. As a business we've missed two bank holiday weekends, which is so damaging," Mr Archer added.

He confirmed he is seeking legal advice over what he says is lack of assistance from authorities and the lack of compensation.

Business also told the BBC the smell of gas lingered in the area during part of the disruption.

Charlotte Miles, who runs Pulp Lifestyle, said the entire street has suffered from a dramatic decline in customers.

She estimates footfall in her shop is down 75%, with takings down by about 60%.

Emily Marsland of Jacaranda Flowers and Charlotte Miles of Pulp Lifestyle

"It's been pretty rough; the streets are pretty empty," Ms Miles said.

"There's been lots and lots of work going on but the car parks have been empty. The footfall has completely fallen off a cliff."

She said that, until recently, a lack of signs contributed to the problem as people could not see the shops and a car park were still open.

"We've been told that we're unlikely to get any compensation for the period we've been affected," she added.

She described the experience as giving "Covid flashbacks," with just a "handful of cars in the car park each day".

Florist Emily Marsland, of Jacaranda Flowers, added: "We've had trouble with deliveries getting in and waste getting taken – it's been bad."

A sign has been put at the top of road into Nailsworth to say businesses are open

Wales & West Utilities confirmed it completed repairs to the gas main, but said the work was complex and required additional crews.

Operations manager for the Stroud area, Andrew Wilding, said: "Our engineers worked as safely and as quickly as possible to isolate and stop the leak, making it safe."

The road was due to reopen on Wednesday, but was once again delayed.

A council spokesperson said: "Unfortunately, complications with the gas pipe repair meant works could not be completed. We are working with Wales and West Utilities to address this issue.

"We appreciate the patience of the community as this is not something within the council's control."