Dorset County Council Head of Highways Andy Ackerman said: “I think the recent motocross event has shown that people are not being deterred from coming into Weymouth by the roadworks.

“We had great weather and the town was busy with spectators and shoppers.

“The disruption caused by the Ferrybridge maintenance is over and the diversion routes for the transport package works are flowing steadily.

“If the county council didn’t maintain the road network through planned and co-ordinated improvement schemes and routine maintenance, communities would suffer long-term inconvenience caused by severely damaged road surfaces.

“Businesses wishing to claim compensation can contact the council for a claim form and it will be looked at on a case-by-case basis.

“However, compensation is very unlikely because, as the highways authority, Dorset County Council has a statutory duty to maintain the highway network and carry out any works required.”