IRATE traders and independent shop owners claim they have lost business as major gasworks have caused traffic havoc on a main road.

Parts of Old Road, Clacton, have been closed for a number of weeks as vital repairs are made to the road.

The road, which is one of the main routes in to the town, is being used as a one-way system as essential gas repairs are completed by contractor Cadent.

However, a number of businesses have felt a big impact as the work started at the beginning of January and is still going on.

Jodi Bull, co-owner of the Old Road-based holistic therapies shop Lavender, said the work is having a major impact.

She said: “There’s been a big decline in sales. We provide holistic therapies, massages and reflexology and we need peace and quiet for that but with the roadworks, it’s far from it.

“I couldn’t even say when it started, it feels like months and we’re not sure when it’s going to end.”

Ali Holden, owner of dog groomers Muttley Makeovers, said trade has also been hit.

She said: “There’s a parking issue down this road anyway.

“I don’t think as many people have brought their dogs as there’s just nowhere to park so they can’t drop them off.

“The noise is unbelievable and can be quite distressing for the dogs as they’re not used to it. “ However, not all businesses are suffering.

Amy Shelley, the owner and manager of IndiGlo salon, said: “We’ve really liked it being one way. We think it’s been a good thing.

“We’ve heard other shop owners moaning about it, but they’re repairing the gasworks.

“It hasn’t bothered us and we haven’t suffered.”

A spokesman for Essex Highways said it has completed replacement guardrail work along Old Road.

It added Cadent is undertaking essential repair works at the same location until Friday.