GAZETTE & HERALD: Chippenham traders say they are losing thousands of pounds in business as the misery of closures, diversions and road works continues to plague the west of the town centre.

They have complained their businesses are being crippled because revenue has fallen by up to 50 per cent from a succession of disruptions to traffic flow.

"Everybody is unhappy," said Colin Gittins, owner of Premier Angling in New Road. "And one of the worst things is that local government just doesn't seem to care."

Mr Gittins has even contacted the Valuation Office in an attempt to claim a business rate rebate.

Problems for traders started at the end of 2005 when the western arches were closed for maintenance work.

Later the arches were closed again, and diversions were put in place while Wiltshire County Council and North Wiltshire District Council undertook works to fill in the subway.

Problems have continued while new traffic lights were installed, and then the road was resurfaced.

And the nightmare isn't over yet the county council will be resurfacing Station Hill and part of Cocklebury Road over the next few weeks.

Traders say shoppers have got fed up with endless traffic queues and many have simply decided not to go into Chippenham at all.

Sandie Webb, proprietor of the Revolutions restaurant, said they normally served 50 to 70 lunches in the week but last week this fell to 19.

Alan Williams, owner of Shamrock Linens in New Road, said trade had dropped by around 25 per cent.

"I've written letters to the district council and county council complaining about the lack of trade and the fact they don't let us know well in advance," he said.

Will Burford of the Picture Shop said: "People aren't coming into Chippenham. They get half way in, see the queues, and turn around."