New Forest traders say roadworks are ruining Christmas sales

Businesses at Dibden Purlieu have seen their takings slump by as much as 40 per cent since work started on a three-month project to install new facilities.

Hampshire County Council is building a cycleway along part of Beaulieu Road and installing another pedestrian crossing.

The authority says it is doing everything it can to minimise disruption.

Traders say shoppers are bypassing Dibden Purlieu to avoid the four-way traffic lights (Image: Newsquest.)

But traders have hit out at the "chaos" caused by four-way traffic lights outside the Esso garage and the decision to carry out the work in the run-up to Christmas.

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Paul Patel who runs the village post office said his takings had dropped by 30 per cent.

He added: "Word has got around that there are traffic lights in Beaulieu Road and people are going around the village instead of through it.

"November and December is normally the peak time for traders. It would have been better to do the work in January and February."

Hampshire County Council is building new cycleway and installing another pedestrian crossing (Image: Newsquest.)

Some critics claim not enough people cycle along Beaulieu Road to justify a cycleway. They also dispute the need for a new pedestrian crossing so close to an existing one.

Mr Patel said: "If the county council has got money to spare maybe they should use it to subsidise our business rates or invest in more police to deal with crime and anti-social behaviour."

Another trader said his takings had plummeted by about 40 per cent.

Ron Besant, who runs the Tails 2 fish and chip shop in North Road, is demanding compensation from the county council.

He said: "They have never been so low, most weeks we're losing £1,500.

"Trying to run a business in these challenging times is hard enough, but with a four-way traffic light system many of my customers are going elsewhere."

Shoppers at having to contend with four-way traffic lights in the centre of Dibden Purlieu (Image: Newsquest.)

Philippa Glover, manager of a café called Nova Forest Kitchen, added: "We're normally really busy at this time of year but takings are down. The weekends are abysmal."

A county council spokesman said: "While we complete these important improvements, aimed at making things safer for pedestrians and cyclists, we are doing everything we can to minimise disruption.

"Vehicle and pedestrian access is being maintained for all businesses in the Dibden Purlieu precinct.

"Some sections of pavement beyond this area have been closed, but the signed diversion route runs past the precinct, ensuring shoppers are given every opportunity to visit."