Independent businesses that have been in Lowestoft for many years are struggling to survive as a year of roadworks takes its toll. Shops on the town's main roads rely on passing trade, but this has virtually dried up since the work began - and traders in the Carlton Road area have joined forces to make their case.

Independent businesses that have been in Lowestoft for many years are struggling to survive as a year of roadworks takes its toll.

Shops on the town's main roads rely on passing trade, but this has virtually dried up since the work began - and traders in the Carlton Road area have joined forces to make their case.

Last night, town traffic bosses said they were hopeful the works, being carried out as part of the £14.7m Waveney Sunrise Scheme, would be completed by Easter.

But Hayley Turrell, of the Pets for Life store, in Carlton Road, said: "I have been in business for nine years now, and in all that time I have never known it to be quite like it has been over the past year. We are all feeling this slowdown in trade. These days I just want to sit and cry as trade is dying very fast."

Some shops are seeing a drop in trade of about 80pc.

The shops in the Carlton Road area include The Carpet Shop, Anglian Balloon Company and Stradbroke's greengrocer and florists, who were keen to put their point of views to Waveney MP Bob Blizzard when he paid them a visit.

Mrs Turrell added: "London Road South was closed to through traffic for many months, and no sooner is that work completed then Marine Parade is closed and all traffic heading south directed on to the new relief road."

Paul Moss, project manager of the scheme, said: "We understand the frustrations... It's never a good time to do it, but we are pushing as hard as we can so they can be done in time for Easter."