TRADERS on Portland claim two weeks of cable laying work has hit their businesses.

They claim work by Southern Electric to connect flats at Fortuneswell to an electricity sub-station has put people off coming to their shops and caused widespread disruption.

They claim workmen have left rubble and barriers lying around and pedestrians are being forced to walk out into a busy road. Traders say it could cause a serious accident.

John Guile, owner of the Aladdin's Cave furniture showroom, said: "Elderly people and mums with children are afraid to use this stretch of Fortuneswell.

"A few have had narrow escapes from the heavy lorries and buses that use the road. There is a lot of traffic on the road and it is potentially dangerous for people to be stepping out into it.

"My trade has suffered badly and other shopkeepers have also complained about the debris. Broken roadworks signs have been left in front of shops."

Alan Twelftree, sub-postmaster at Fortuneswell Post Office, said he is worried about the impact on his business if the work continues into the pre-Christmas period. He said: "I am waiting nervously for the next step in the project."

Valerie Vincent of Vincent Master Photographers added: "Pedestrians are having to step out into a busy road. There is still no sign of any progress being made."

A spokeswoman for Southern Electric said: "The work is now 90 per cent complete and work to reinstate paving will begin tomorrow - we should be finished well before Christmas. We apologise to the shopkeepers. We know it is not an ideal time for them."