Planning business during roadworks is 'impossible'

Eastbound journeys on the A35 Christchurch bypass are expected to take up to an hour longer during the closures

A business owner has said planning her day around roadworks has become "impossible".

The eastbound A35 Christchurch bypass in Dorset has been shut from Fountain Way roundabout since Monday and will remain closed until 06:00 GMT on 10 November.

Ellie Maclane runs a dog walking business in and around the town and said she sat in traffic for more than an hour for what should have been a five-minute journey on Tuesday.

Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council thanked residents for their patience and said there was never a good time for roadworks but its teams would be "working day and night to complete this essential maintenance".

A diversion takes drivers via the A228, A31 and A35

The official 30-mile diversion is an hour-long route via the A338 Wessex Way, the A31 at Cadnam and the A35 via Ashurst and Lyndhurst in Hampshire.

Ms Maclane from Paramount Pet Services, said that she was having to work longer hours in order to see clients and planning her day was "impossible" at the moment.

"I appreciate that roadworks need to be done but it does seem slightly poorly planned," she said.

Jenny, who lives in the area, said she spent an hour waiting for a bus to get to an appointment on Tuesday.

For the second phase of the works the route will close westbound from Somerford Roundabout between 18:00 on 10 November and 06:00 on 17 November.

The work includes major resurfacing of the A35 Stony Lane/Purewell Cross roundabout, a section of dual carriageway from Fountain roundabout to the southern end of the B3347 Stony Lane.

Other work includes installation of a visibility screen at Purewell Cross, vegetation clearance, sign renewal, litter picking, gully cleaning, crash barrier repairs, bridge parapet repairs and gas mains repairs in Stony Lane.

Martin Stewart, owner of Stewarts Garden Centres, said "trade was down" but he said he was prepared, and took precautions like allowing staff to take leave, adding that "we knew it was coming".

He has pleaded for people who do not need to travel through Christchurch to take a different route.

He said he was positive that it would get better this week but cautious that it would get worse when the schools returned from half-term.

He appreciated that the council was "doing what they can" with a difficult job and said there was "no point getting stressed over it".

'No good time'

In a post on social media Christchurch Town Council said it was not responsible for the works but would pass on concerns to BCP Council.

It added: "During this period we encourage everyone to support our local shops, cafes and businesses – your custom is especially valued at times like this."

BCP Council have said: "We know that there is never a good time to close a busy road and we fully understand the inconvenience road closures can cause.

"This work will improve the resilience of one of our most-used roads, protecting it for years to come against the stresses of frequent braking and acceleration.

"Our teams will be working day and night to complete this essential maintenance - using specialised materials known for their longevity."