BUSINESSES and residents in Weymouth today warned that roadworks are driving away trade as the town grinds to a standstill.

Some claim takings are down by around £500 a day because visitors are put off by long queues of traffic as work continues on the Weymouth Transport Package.

Others fear that the return of a one-way system in Hope Square has added to the chaos, with works ongoing on Boot Hill.

It has led to calls for roadworks to take place at night to minimise disruption and get the job done quicker.

Natasha Sibley, from the Old Rooms Inn, Cove Row, said: “We usually have people drinking the other side of the wall where it’s nice and sunny.

“But they don’t really want to be looking at traffic and they don’t want to have to worry about their children.

“Takings are down by £500 a day. Our deliveries are three hours late because they can’t get through.

“We run out of food and we have been to Asda to try and stock up.”

At the Captain’s Table fish and chip restaurant in Frederick Place, takings have dropped by up to £300 a week.

Rosie Farnworth, from the Crow’s Nest Bistro in Hope Square, said trade has slumped by around a quarter.

Even the big supermarket chains have been affected. Asda has noticed a considerable drop in custom.

Deputy manager Nigel Swinburne said: “We should have massive queues of people and holidaymakers coming to do their shopping but the car park is only three quarters full.

“It’s definitely because of the traffic because it’s putting people off coming.

“They can’t get to us and they go to Morrisons instead.”

Taxi driver Eddie Horton warned that some journey times have trebled.

He said: “I’m losing about £20 to £30 a day. “I start early in the morning and finish at 4.30pm and by that time you can’t get through.”

There are also fears over the long-term impact the roadworks could have on the tourist industry.

Dave Price, chairman of the Weymouth Hotel and Guesthouse Leaseholders Association, said: “It might put people off in future because the roadworks are going over two summers.

“It would have been more common sense to do it over two winters.”

Goldcroft Avenue resident Mike Maber said working through the night would avoid gridlock.

He said: “Knowing the importance of the tourist season to Weymouth, why isn’t there night work?

“I know it will cost a bit more but at least they will get it done.”

David Massey, of St Anne’s Road, thinks none of the work is necessary.

He said: “I don’t think it should be done at all just for 13 days of the Olympics.”