Traders say their businesses are being ruined because of major roadworks.

They claim takings in shops in Trafalgar Road, Portslade, have fallen dramatically in the last four weeks because traffic is being diverted.

One business says its takings have fallen by 60 per cent while another says they are down 35 per cent.

Navin Patel has run the Southern Cross Post Office for more than 18 years.

He said: "I am not getting the regular commuters or passing trade because people cannot stop off or get past.

"Takings have gone down by 35 per cent in the last few weeks and I can't go on like this.

"There seems to be both gas and water and all sorts of work being done. It has caused such a disruption.

"We've had roadworks before in the past but there has never been anything as bad as this.

"I'm losing trade every day and it seems to have been going on so long. Whenever I call to get any information I can't seem to get any details. It makes me very upset.

"We are putting up with all this noise and disruption and my livelihood is being badly affected."

Jon Maxey, manager at Beaney's Bookmakers in Trafalgar Road, said: "The disruption these roadworks have caused has been staggering.

"I've been checking my figures for this month and the previous month and last year and they have dropped by 60 per cent.

"We have a core of regular customers who now find it very difficult to get into the shop and some are going elsewhere. Our worry is that they won't come back again when the roadworks are over. It has made things very difficult."

The work being done includes resurfacing the road, replacing a gas main and repairing a water main.

It started on August 22 and is scheduled to last for 12 to 14 weeks.

A spokeswoman for Brighton and Hove City Council said Southern Gas has been able to do its work ahead of schedule so the roadworks should be finished next month, a few weeks early.

The council says the reconstruction work is essential as the road needs to be strengthened and a durable surface laid.

As part of its roadworks planning, the city council liaised with the Southern Gas network and the water board so essential gas pipe replacement and water main repair could be carried out at the same time.

The spokeswoman said: "By doing all the work at the same time, it will save lots of separate periods of roadworks.

"The council and gas network are working together wherever possible to minimise the number of works."

Friday, September 23 2005