Managers at Greenhills Garden Centre, on Cauldwell Road, say they have lost thousands of pounds in trade over the last month as customers stay away to avoid the traffic misery caused by continued road closures and temporary traffic lights along Coxmoor Road and Cauldwell Road.

They now say the busy road has become a dangerous 'free-for-all' as angry motorists jump the lights, which have been installed to allow mains repairs work to be carried out.

Owner Paul Lathrope told Chad: "Our continued economic viability is being brought seriously into question because of continued disruptions of this nature.

'Asset'

"If we close down it will mean the loss of 14 full and part-time jobs and loss of Council Tax income for Ashfield as well as the loss of a highly valued asset to the area.

"For much of the past four weeks little or no work has been carried out at the above mentioned junction and on many days there have been no workers in attendance.

"Motorists are getting so frustrated by the long delays caused by unnecessary temporary lights that they are disregarding the red lights.

"The result is virtual anarchy and is no doubt going to result in a serious accident

"This is the second summer in a row we have had problems like this and it really does make me wonder how much longer we can go on like this. Sales are currently well below the expected level."

Negotiations

A spokesman for Nottinghamshire County Council told Chad the roadworks were being carried out by Severn Trent Water who were relaying water mains and the authority was in negotiations with the company to alleviate the problems as soon as possible.

She added the roadworks were scheduled to finish on 5th September but the council hoped it might be sooner than this.

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