Traders take a hit as work continues on Diss Heritage Triangle

Roadworks in Diss Heritage Triangle. (Image: Archant)

The work began in mid-April and is expected to go on for a further eight weeks in total as pavements are widened and new squares raised.

Business owners on Market Hill believe the changes will enhance the area and attract business long term but are frustrated by the affect on takings at the moment.

Katie Rich of Katie's Kitchen has been running her business for two years and has seen it go from strength to strength until recently when the roadworks were set up.

She said: ' We were being affected massively. Before the roadworks the business was doing really well but since then numbers declined and declined.

Traffic at a standstill in Diss town centre due to roadworks. (Image: Archant)

'We put out a post on Facebook to say support us Diss, and we have had a fantastic response, We've even had new customers.'

David Fielding-Gooderham who runs the Antiques shop at number 13 on Market Hill says he is not getting so many people coming to the shop, and they can no longer load and unload outside - as a result he estimates takings are down by 30 to 40pc.

Owner of Larter and Ford Ironmongers, Carl Edwards, said he had experienced a slow downturn but it hadn't been as bad as predicted. He and other shop owners were concerned though at the loss of car park spaces on Market Hill as this would affect business.

Council leader Graham Minshull said: 'I have spoken to all the traders and it is a mixed picture. We are putting together a package to help the small businesses through the next two weeks.

'I drive through the town every day and I haven't changed my route. The roadworks have just added on a couple of minutes at the traffic lights and all the car parks are in use.'

The overall Heritage triangle project is a £3.4m investment - around £3.3m has been raised in grants including the Heritage Lottery Fund and by local people and businesses.