HOTELIERS and tourism businesses fear they will lose repeat customers and are calling for more clarity about plans for next summer’s event.

Loraine Godwin, of the Richmoor Hotel, Weymouth, said: “The problem is not whether we’re full or not this August, I’m confident that we will be.

“The concern is if we will lose the people who come year on year – if they avoid Weymouth in 2012 because it’s too chaotic and go to the Isle of Wight or Torquay and then decide they like it there instead.

“That’s what people are scared of.

“At the same time we’re all in such a financial state because of what we’ve gone through to get here.

“I’m in a financial mess and I know a few hotels with very big financial concerns – even the best of us are struggling.

“We’re all worried we won’t even get to the Olympics because we’ve had to put so much money into our businesses; but because of the roadworks and economy we haven’t been reaping the rewards.”

She added: “It would be better to use the secondary schools for coach parking and primary schools for local people to park their cars, to free up permit spaces.

“Then, more obvious parking closer to hotels could be used for our guests, people can be encouraged to do their bit for Weymouth.”

John Green, of the Tara Guest House, said: “It’s a disgrace, we’ve lost 80 per cent of our repeat bookings for July and August.

“We’ve built our business up from nothing over 12 years.

“One of the biggest problems is we’ve told our guests the Olympics is just for two weeks and then the ODA printed a leaflet saying the Games are coming from July 26 to September 6.

“We can live with losing our regular bookings for two weeks not six.”

Katy Finch of Melcombe Villa guesthouse, said: “Some of the bed and breakfasts and hotels have been left in the dark.”

Maureen McAndrew, of Harbour Walk guesthouse, said: “The trouble is hoteliers have suffered over the last couple of years.

“Although we’ll all get a nice legacy out of the Olympics it doesn’t negate what we’ve lost – a little bit more compassion is needed or people will be left at the wayside.”

Joy Sangster of Dream Cottages asked for clear information about visitor parking to be made by January, to enable brochures to feature the relevant information.