Major roadworks labelled 'shambles' by businesses

Traders in a Herefordshire village have hit out over 10 days of major roadworks with some calling the situation a "shambles".

The B4224 in Fownhope has been shut in both directions for up to nine hours a day, with motorists asked to do a 21-mile detour.

Businesses in the area were promised that customers trying to reach them would be allowed through the roadworks, but contractors at the site are said to have turned drivers away.

Disruption is expected to last until 21 February.

Herefordshire Council contractors are currently implementing traffic calming measures on the road, requested by the parish council.

The works include resurfacing, lining, installing signage and footway-widening works.

Cllr Barry Durkin, cabinet member for Roads and Regulatory Services, said: "Every effort has been made to keep disruption to a minimum, and we’d like to thank residents and road users for their patience.”

Speaking to BBC Hereford & Worcester, business owner Jess Prosser said: "The workers on the road were not allowing access, not even letting residents drive through.

"Our neighbour, they have carers that come up and they were not letting them come through so it has all been a shambles, really."

Gemma Perks from The Green Man said the roadworks had hit business with the pub being "a lot quieter" since the work began on Monday.

"We do rely on customers to come in and eat at our restaurant and it has impacted us," she said.