BRISTOL Road is still very much open for business despite the one-way roadworks system having a big effect on local traders and residents.

Leigh Williams, who runs Bridgwater Self-Serve in Bristol Road said business had been down dramatically since the roadworks started in January but wants people to know that the Bridgwater traders are worth backing.

"It is till very quiet here at the petrol station, the traffic queues past all day and I think people are worried about coming out the traffic because of how long it will take to get back into the queue, but I think it looks more difficult than it is," Mr Williams said.

Mr Williams said he wanted to thank all his regular customers who had still been coming in despite the issues with the roadworks.

The Bridgwater Self-Serve sells domestic fuel, logs and coal, newspapers, household products, hot pies, sandwiches. and snacks and sweets and is open 6am to 10pm Monday to Friday and 7am to 9pm Saturdays and Sundays.

"We have friendly staff who work hard and always try to be helpful," Mr Williams said.

"The family have been running this business since 1981 and I have always been around it, helping out since I was young and lending a hand to my parents."

Mr Williams said the downturn in business had been quite shocking, around 90 per cent, and he had been forced to lay off a member of staff.

Mr Williams had a number of concerns about the roadworks, saying that he was concerned what effect the extra traffic during Easter could have, and that he felt little was being done to help the struggling businesses.

"What would be most helpful is if they just kept us up with exactly what is going on. The lack of communications means rumours start and that is no good for anybody," Mr Williams said.

Local residents voiced their concerns with Bristol Road's Leslie Murphy saying 'it is not just people moaning, it is a real issue'.

"I think the majority of residents would be willing to put up with night work if it meant sorting this mess out sooner," Mrs Murphy said.

"The damage it is doing to local businesses is dreadful."

Kimberley Terrace resident Carl Morgan added: "I do a night shift driving HGVs based in Avonmouth – it normally takes me 40 minutes to get to work, now it takes an hour and twenty minutes because I have to go round the one way system."

Mr Williams said he still did not understand why a bypass had been dismissed.

"These roads weren't built to deal with this level of traffic and even once the roadworks are complete, if Bridgwater grows at the road expected I think the roads will struggle to cope," he said.

"It is definitely tough at the moment but we keep smiling."

David Eccles, EDF Energy’s head of stakeholder engagement for Hinkley Point C, said: “We are in regular dialogue with Bridgwater Chamber of Commerce and I attended the most recent meeting to speak directly to local business leaders.

“Prior to the works starting we held a drop-in event on November 16 to keep local residents and businesses informed of our plans.

“We have also met individual businesses on a one-to-one basis, including Mr Williams’ business, and have a helpline which people can call free of charge for information and advice – 0800 096 9650.”