Car dealership bosses today claimed they would face “devastating” disruptions next month when a main road in Shrewsbury is closed – for the third time in the last 18 months.The dealerships along Featherbed Lane claim the latest work is happening at their busiest time, when trade is already struggling. And they fear they could face a 40 to 50 per cent downturn in trade as a result.

The road will close for four weeks from September 15 for the contractors of B&Q to carry out work on a new DIY store.

It follows separate closures of the road, by Tesco and Severn Trent Water, over the last 18 months.

But businesses in the area fear for the impact the closure will have on their trade.

Brian Johnson, dealer principal for Budgen Motors, said: “It’s devastating. September is our busiest period. To tell people not to come to Featherbed Lane is a disgrace, but that’s what it will mean with the blockages.

“Judging by what happened previously I think it’s reasonable to say it will have a 40 to 50 per cent downturn in our business.”

Les Garlick, managing director of William A Lewis Cars Ltd, said he was concerned that there seemed to be “no real interest” in the effect the closures were having on businesses.

He said: “Trade is down and I just wonder how many more times they want to damage us.”

Gary Parton, Shropshire County Council’s co-ordination manager for central division, said local diversion routes would be in place and access maintained for residents, pedestrians and dismounted cyclists when the latest work begins on September 15.

“We apologise to any residents or local businesses that have been disrupted by these works,” he added.

“We can confirm that works have taken place around Featherbed Lane three times in the last 18 months. This was for Tesco, earlier this year Severn Trent Water carried out sewer repairs and both of these were unconnected to the new B&Q site.

“Although we aim to co-ordinate works to minimise disruption, all of these works have been necessary.”

By John Kirk