A WESTBURY business owner has been left frustrated after his company has potentially lost profits due to a month-long road closure.

Peter Elkins, managing director at Elkins Ford, which has been based in Westbury for more than 100 years, also feels there has been a lack of information regarding the work which is being done to replace gas pipes in Laverton Road.

“The road works have been a nuisance and there’s been a lack of information as to when it is going to be complete,” Mr Elkins said.

“All we had was a letter saying there was going to be traffic lights which were going to last for a week and now we’ve gone to the whole road being shut.

“No one seems to be in a hurry to finish it off but it would be good to see the road open again as it’s always good to have people passing your business.

“I can’t quantify how much of an impact it has had on the business but it can’t help having the road shut off.

“It’s already hard enough to run a business without this sort of thing.”

The work, which is being done by Wales & West Utilities to replace 307 metres of gas pipes, began on October 12 and is expected to be finished today.

The road has been shut off from the roundabout at Warminster Road to the roundabout at Westbury Leigh Road, although access for residents has been allowed.

Sue Packer, a Laverton Road resident for more than 14 years, said: “It is a bit of a nuisance but if it needs doing, it needs doing, but the workmen have been brilliant.

“They have a job to do so it’s no good having a go at them but it has gone on a bit longer than they expected.

“We had the gas switched off one day and they came in to check and we haven’t had any problems with that.”

Anne Turner, another resident in Laverton Road, added: “We didn’t know it was happening at first so that was a bit annoying, but the workmen have been very helpful.”

A spokesman for Wales & West Utilities said: “We have been working in the Laverton Road area to replace 307 metres of old metal gas pipes with new plastic ones, so that the area continues to receive a safe and reliable supply of gas.

“So that the general public, road users and our workforce are kept safe while we are working, Laverton Road was closed for a portion of the work. Diversion routes were clearly signposted. This work had been agreed with the local highways authority.

“This is part of our multi-million pound 30 year gas pipe replacement scheme across the south west of England and Wales, in which all old metal gas pipes within 30 metres of buildings are replaced with new plastic ones with a lifespan of 80 years.

“We appreciate that while we work hard to keep disruption to a minimum, our work can still impact on local businesses.

"Any local traders who feel their business has been adversely affected by our work can apply for compensation under of the Gas (Street Works) Compensation for Small Businesses Regulations 1996.

“Applications will be assessed for any losses incurred that can be shown to be as a result of our work. We will deal with each case individually,  responding to traders directly.

"Business owners who feel they have been affected by our work can discuss a potential claim with our Customer Service Team on 0800 912 2999”

The road was expected to re-open yesterday.