A single mother blames five months of non-stop roadworks for the collapse of her business.

Tracie Barnes launched her antique business two years ago in a bid to give her three children a better future.

However, she fears month after month of digging, drilling and resurfacing outside her shop in Lewes Road, Brighton, has wrecked her business.

Tracie plans to shut up shop at the end of the year. She may also have to declare herself bankrupt.

She said: "These roadworks have had a devastating effect on my business.

The pavement has been dug up three times and the area around my shop has been cordoned off three times.

"The workmen put a plank where the pavement should be but you can't expect people to walk on that. All through the summer the digging and drilling made the china glide off the shelves and I couldn't hear the phone ring.

"I'm absolutely livid at what the council has done.

"There is no possibility of any compensation and I'm still having to pay rates. Nor have I had an apology from anyone at the council.

"I'm now £600 behind with the rates and - just to add insult to injury -

the council has threatened to send in the bailiffs to get that money back."

Tracie, who is mother to Lewis, eight, Stacey, nine and Chelsea, ten, said the first year of her business was a struggle but she kept her head above water and this year got off to a good start.

Then the roadworks began.

She said: "I came off benefits to open this shop and tried to give it my best shot but these roadworks have wrecked any chance I had.

"I'm going to have to sell my car to clear my debts and if that isn't enough, I will have to declare myself bankrupt.

"With Christmas just around the corner, the council is threatening to send the bailiffs in to finish me off. I'm very, very unhappy about the way I have been treated. All the traders around here are sick of it"

Tracie said the only visible results she could see for five months' work were some new railings, a traffic island and lighting.

Other businesses, including Flowers At Your Convenience and the Race Hill pub, have complained delivery lorries have been unable to get through or that customers have stayed away.

Brighton and Hove City Council say the roadworks are being carried out to improve the junction between Elm Grove and Lewes Road.

Work includes new crossing and cycle facilities and bus detection equipment.

A council spokeswoman said: "We are now in the final phase of the work.

"We apologise to local residents and businesses for the inconvenience and appreciate their patience."

She said under the Highways Act the council had a duty to maintain the road system so could not give compensation.

However, traders may be entitled to a rate rebate if they could prove the business had been affected by the works.