A group of independent shopkeepers who are facing a far bigger-than-normal summer slump due to nearby roadworks have voiced their frustration.
Businesses at the northern end of Catton Grove Road have said they are losing out on hundreds of pounds a week because of a 13-week project to improve pedestrian and cycle path access at the junction of nearby Mile Cross Lane.
Jacqui Wright, Phoenix Fireplace Shop co-owner, said: 'It's really affecting our business.
'Many of our customers find us from a big sign along Mile Cross Lane but the roadworks and build up of traffic restricts it's visibility.
'13 weeks is a long time for a small family business like ours to be affected like this, especially in summer'.
Mark Kemp of Kemp Butchers said the works meant he was taking in £100 less than normal each weekday.
He said: 'It has taken £500 off our takings a week.
'As time goes by it has had a big impact on trade.'
Mr Kemp said it was doubly frustrating because roadworks had also dented trade last year.
He said: 'We had works for three weeks in 2016 and now they've done it for the second year running.'
Christine Thompson, co-owner of Design hairdressers, said every business in the area had suffered.
She said: 'We've all felt it. Because there's no right turn at all now when people come from further afield they don't know where they're going.
'We'd like to remind people that we're still open and trading as normal.'
A spokesperson for Transport for Norwich said: 'The project on Mile Cross Lane is designed to improve pedestrian and cycle access for the benefit of the area as a whole.
'We'd like to thank those affected for their patience while construction takes place and our team on site will continue to minimise disruption as much as possible as we enter the final few weeks of work.'
Ms Wright said there was still access to the businesses via the Chartwell Road roundabout, or via the Reepham Road/Aylsham Road junction.
The works project is due to finish during the week of August 29.
Has your business been affected by roadworks? Email stuart.anderson@archant.co.uk
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