HARBOURSIDE traders concerned about the impact of Weymouth’s Olympic roadworks have told highway chiefs to ‘get the work finished.’ Business owners met Dorset County Council’s strategic project manager Matthew Piles and his staff at a private meeting at Brewer’s Quay earlier this week.

The traders urged the council to get the ongoing works finished as soon as possible to start offsetting the losses their businesses have suffered this year.

Mary Harris, who co-owns the Old Harbour Dive Centre in Nothe Parade, Weymouth, described the impact road diversions and delays are having on her trade to council officers at the meeting.

She said: “I told them that the lack of vehicular access and the one-way system that’s been set up down Trinity Road has had a major effect on people trying to get to us.

“Our customers and suppliers don’t come on foot. The highways department spoke to the RNLI about the impact these works would have before they started but they didn’t speak to us.

“Our trade has been very adversely affected and we have certainly seen a drop in our income.”

Peter Ledger, who owns the Crow’s Nest restaurant in Hope Square, said: “We told Matthew Piles how dire the situation is and he basically shrugged his shoulders and said that the works have to be done. These works have robbed me of my profits this summer and put people out of jobs.

“I have five members of staff who pay their rent from their wages and they’re relying on staying in their jobs.”

Brewers Quay director Roger Dalton said: “The main thrust of the meeting seemed to be: ‘get the work finished’.

“There was clearly concern about the cost it’s having to businesses.”

Dorset County Council’s strategic projects manager, Matthew Piles, described the meeting with the traders as ‘very positive’.

He added: “It gave us the opportunity to explain the scheme and the benefits it will bring. We have listened to their concerns and we will make sure we try to minimise any disruption caused by future works.

“We have another meeting scheduled with the traders in the New Year but if any individuals or businesses want to talk to us about any aspect of the scheme, please get in touch.”