TRADERS claim they are losing thousands of pounds because roadworks have killed passing trade into their village.

Eastington has hit crisis point following the closure of the main thoroughfare in July. Two bridges leading into the village from the busy A419 are closed and motorists are being diverted along previously quiet country lanes.

Dave Simmonds, landlord at The Victoria Inn claims he has already lost more than £6,500 in lunchtime trade alone.

"At the moment we are losing around £200 a day," he said. "We have not been informed about anything. We had a lot of passing trade before this but now we don't see anybody."

Grocer Guy Selby from the Cabbage Patch Corner said he was on the verge of throwing his stock in the canal.

"It's been terrible," he told the SNJ. "I do not know how much I have lost. I am scared to add it up to be honest. There has been no trade at all. I do not know if I will still be here at the end of November.

He said the current situation was worse than anything in his 20 years at the store. And he added: "They (Gloucestershire County Council) have just rolled up over the top of the people of Eastington."

Millend Lane resident Mark Loveridge said traffic using the country road as a rat run was also causing problems.

"The banks on this road are being destroyed, it is interrupting the local school and causing havoc," he said.

Project engineers caused further despair this week by announcing the work would continue until at least Sunday, November 28 - seven weeks after the deadline.

A Traffic spokesman at the council also said traders could not claim compensation unless the road has been closed for more than 18 months.

County Council bridge engineer Liz Kirkham said the £185,000 project was vital and attributed the latest delays to 'unexpected complications' with parts of the old bridges, which date back to 1907.

"We are very disappointed because we know it is upsetting for all local residents," she said. "We have asked the contractor to try to bring that date forward and they are making efforts to do that, including getting additional staff and resources. If we are able to bring the date forward we will let local people know as soon as possible."

Another spokesman for Shire Hall added: "We have every sympathy with local traders and we apologise for the disruption."