Traders in Telford today claimed business had plummeted since it was announced that roadworks would be taking place nearby.

A 20-yard stretch of Station Road in Ketley is due to be shut for about two weeks from tomorrow. Traders along the route, however, fear notices posted last November warning of the closure suggest the whole of the road will be closed, along with adjoining Holyhead Road.

They claim that has led to motorists steering clear of their businesses.

Hazel Mulholland, who runs Fringes ladies hairdressers near the proposed works, said she was speaking on behalf of eight firms in the area and stressed that businesses would still be open during the work.

Notices were posted last November on Ketley Brook Island and opposite Sandbrook, which leads off Station Road, saying: “Holyhead Road will be closed on January 4 for approximately two weeks.

“Apologies for any inconvenience.”

Mrs Mulholland said: “Since the road closure was initially announced our business has nosedived and others have said the same.

“It is going to cause problems for motorists but we want to stress we are still open for business and people will still be able to get to us.

“Only a 20-yard stretch of the road will be closed and we are not on that affected part.

“The signs seem to be leading people to believe that all of Station Road will be shut, along with Holyhead Road, and so people are diverting from the area in a bid to avoid hold-ups.

“It has really hit trade with us and other businesses nearby.

“Alan Butmaro’s barber’s shop next door has also been hit hard and so has the Aga Factory Shop over the road.

“The January sales are an important time for Aga and so this confusion is very bad for them.”

Heather Taylor, manager of the Aga shop, said she believed many people were unfamiliar with the area and so a lot of customers relied on sat navs to find the shop.

She added: “I don’t know how they will get on. I’m sure they’ll get completely lost.

“I am concerned this will have a monumental effect on our sales.

“Those two weeks when the closure will be in force are our peak period for sales and so business is bound to be affected.”