FURIOUS shopkeepers have branded roadworks that closed part of a Hampshire town centre a disaster.

Traders are counting the cost of lost business after a key junction in Lymington was shut for emergency gas works.

The High Street was shut at its junction with Gosport Street, making it impossible for cars to get through to a number of shops.

The town’s Chamber of Commerce says the works, which were due to be completed today, have been a “disaster” for the whole High Street and quay area.

Group president Jenny Welker said: “It has been chaos in the town and very disruptive for everyone.

“The footfall dropped considerably. Businesses on the quay must have been tearing their hair out, because that was a total no-go area.

“The damage it has done is impossible to quantify, but just when one has got over the snow and ice and things were beginning to pick up again, this happens. It has been a disaster for the businesses.”

The disruption started after a large water main burst last week, resulting in water getting into the gas mains.

Gas company staff have been working at the bottom of the High Street to restore supplies.

Meanwhile a signed diversion was set up in a loop around the town.

Ian Hillyer, owner of Hillyer Car Spares and Accessories on Gosport Street, said trade had been badly hit in the area.

“People couldn’t load or unload or make deliveries. It’s been a bit of a disaster.

“ We are normally a busy little shop but it has been very quiet.”

A spokesman from Southern Gas Networks said the work should be completed today.

She added: “We have a compensation procedure and I would suggest that if anyone is concerned they should talk to us directly.”

• Southern Gas Networks customer services can be reached on 0845 0701431.