Businesses say gas roadworks are harming trade

Local traders say they were not given enough notice about the temporary one-way system

Businesses in a Hampshire village have criticised the decision to turn a busy main road into a one-way system while work is carried out to upgrade the gas network.

Local traders in Lowford, near Southampton, say they were not given enough notice about the work in Portsmouth Road, which is expected to last for a month.

The roadworks mean drivers cannot reach Portsmouth Road from the A27, only from Hamble Lane, and buses can only pass in one direction.

The gas company SGN has apologised but said the one-way system was necessary for safety reasons.

Michael Elliott-Jones said his hair salon was usually busy on a Saturday

Michael Elliott-Jones, owner of the Hair Hut salon, said business had fallen by 40% since work started on Monday.

He said: "It's really bad. We've had to phone all the clients every day to prep them about the parking. It's been dreadful.

"Our business is going to struggle and it's not just us, it's everybody."

Cheryl Lodwidge, administrator at Manns & Manns estate agents, said: "We were given approximately a week's notice.

"We have seen a lot less people out and about and we are also having problems with traffic driving the wrong way."

Cheryl Lodwidge said traders were given a week's notice of the roadworks

SGN said work to replace metal gas pipes with new plastic ones was essential to "ensure homes and businesses receive a reliable gas supply for many years to come".

A spokesperson for the company said: "To ensure everyone’s safety while we work, a one-way system is in place for motorists.

"We’re sorry for the disruption being caused and we appreciate this is a busy time for shop owners.

"Any small businesses who have been affected by our works can apply for compensation by filling out the form on our website."