BUSINESSES on Studley High Street have blasted Warwickshire County Council over road closures which they say could cut sales by 70 per cent. 

The resurfacing work, due to begin on Sunday, will take up to eight days to complete and is being carried out under full-time road closure.

The site extends from Barley Mow Island to Crooks Lane and diversion routes are being installed. 

Although pedestrian access to the High Street is available, some businesses owners claim this will be the final nail in the coffin for struggling village shops. 

Brian and Joanne Knight, own Bruno’s Bakery, which has been in the High Street for 26 years. 

Mrs Knight said: "We are really disappointed. There has been no consultation. There has been no offer of compensation for our loss. We are probably in the worst position for people approaching in shop on foot. 

"Being a food shop, we do not know what to make as it could end up being wasted," she added.

Mr Knight said: "We asked if it could be done in two parts and we asked if could be done over Christmas, they said ‘no’. 

"They have taken into account that the schools are closed and that the residents wouldn’t want the work done at night, the only people they haven’t considered is us.

"For the last twelve months many businesses in Studley have seen improvement in trade- that is going to stop."

He added that although pedestrians can park and walk into town he thinks it is unlikely they will do this as to will take too long. 

The council sent letters notifying businesses and residents on October 6. 

Since the announcement, county councillor Clive Rickhards, who represents Studley, and district councillor Justin Kerridge, who represents Studley and Mappleborough Green, met officers from the county council to discuss what could be done to help the businesses affected. 

Cllr Kerridge said: "It is most important that (people) know the High Street is accessible as they can park very close to the High Street.

"But people will be put off," he added. 

"I think people to not want to walk into the town, they want to park on the main road and go straight into the shop, but the road has got to be closed."

A Warwickshire County Council spokesman said: "The closure of Studley High Street is required to facilitate extensive work to replace the worn road surface. In planning the works the council has considered a number of scenarios to minimise the impact on businesses, drivers and residents. Night time working has been considered but is not feasible due to the environmental impact this would have on the surrounding residential area, and off peak working would prolong the works.

"The works have been programmed during the school half term week to minimise disruption with anticipated reduced traffic flows. Weekend working has also been planned to help condense the working time into one week duration.

They added that ‘additional signage’ indicating businesses are open will be put in place and, to alleviate the loss of some street parking, there will be some additional provision between Redditch Road and Marble Alley, Monday to Saturday.

Motorist are being advised to use Pool Road car park to access the High Street shops and traffic management officers will be on site to assist with deliveries to businesses.