A SIGN to alert drivers to roadworks is having a crushing effect on businesses, it was claimed today.

Dorset County Council has started a two-week project to resurface a section of the B3159 at Goulds Hill between Upwey and Martinstown.

But a sign up in Dorchester Road at Weymouth informing drivers of the road closure and diversion do not make clear that the road remains open through Upwey.

This has caused much concern among business owners in Church Street in the village hoping to reap the benefits of the late summer trade.

They are already seeing an effect the closure is having on business.

Answers are also being demanded as to why the council didn’t inform people in Upwey of the work.

Pauline Waring who runs the Upwey Wishing Well said: “We very nearly went under last year when the council replaced a culvert outside our window and the work took far longer than expected.

“Now we’ve got this which no-one had the decency to tell us about. Apparently a public notice was in the Echo but someone at the council could have got in touch.

“People are going to see the sign and not bother coming down here.”

Lorraine D’Agostino of the Riverhouse Inn said she first heard about the closure after a member of staff rang to say she was unable to work.

Mrs D’Agostino said: “She said they had closed the road so wouldn’t be able to make it in and I asked what she was talking about.

“If a member of my staff thinks that then we don’t stand a chance.”

She said the road through Upwey was usually busy with traffic and her restaurant was full of customers by lunchtime.

“The sign on Dorchester Road needs to make clear the road through Upwey is open and there is access to local businesses.

“There are also a few people who go through Upwey to get to the coast road at Portesham.”

Mrs D’Agostino added: “I’m astounded the work is going ahead in the school holidays and I’m appalled no-one has had the sense to make the sign clear.”

Jan Willment of the Island Garden Nursery said: “I had no idea about the road closure and share the concerns expressed by businesses in the village.

“It will affect passing trade and I’m sure even some of my regulars will be put off coming down here.”

Dorset Works Organisation is carrying out remedial resurfacing work on the road between Martinstown and Upwey until September 12.

No-one at Dorset County Council was available for comment.