'Roadworks are causing a drop in trade to my shop'
BBCA convenience shop owner says he needs "more support and help" after essential roadworks have made it "impossible" for customers to reach his business.
Dilan Patel, director of the Welcome Southern Co-op Store near Taunton in Somerset, said roadworks on the A358 Stapelgrove Road - which started on 20 July - had already had a "direct impact" on trade.
Wales and West Utilities and the National Grid are carrying out work until October to upgrade gas services and the electrical network next to a Bloor Homes development.
A spokesperson for Bloor Homes said more signs would be installed "to make clear" that Patel's shop was open throughout the roadworks.
While the work is carried out, a one-way system is in place to allow traffic to travel to Taunton, while outbound vehicles are diverted via Wellington Road and Silk Mills Road.
Patel told BBC Radio Somerset the one-way system was making it difficult for customers to reach the store, including its Post Office, and as a result the takings were about 30% down during the first week of the roadworks.
"For us, this is probably the busiest trading time… we weren't expecting such a hit," he said.
"We're all quite concerned how the next few weeks will pan out.
"We're not against the development, we're just a local business and we have been affected."
Patel added that the way the way the roadworks had been planned out was "probably the worst-case scenario" for the business.
"The diversion starts from where the junction of our store is and it's blocking everyone off coming in from that way. I get it, it needs to be done, but we would've liked a bit more support or maybe some sort of help during this time just to get us through the next 12 weeks."
Somerset Council said it had received an official complaint in connection to the development and it would respond as soon as possible.
The authority added there was "no mechanism for compensation", but "there are schemes available which can help businesses reduce their rates".
A spokesperson for Bloor Homes said: "Somerset Highways has brought together the utility companies and Bloor Homes to ensure all necessary works are completed at the same time during the school summer holidays, helping to minimise longer-term disruption for the local community."
The working hours of the roadworks are 07:30 to 18:00 BST, Monday to Friday, and the lanes will not reopen outside of those times.
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