TOWN centre businesses in Calne have complained they are losing trade because of on-going traffic problems.

The chamber of commerce has called for a special meeting to discuss the disruption on the roads which is causing road rage incidents, according to a business survey.

Paul Harris, proprietor of Aladdin's Cave in Phelps Parade, and chairman of the chamber's retail committee, sent out questionnaires to businesses.

He wanted to find out how retailers felt about the Transco works on the roads earlier this year and the current scaffolding in the narrow part of Curzon Street.

He was also concerned about plans by Wiltshire County Council to widen the footpath on this part of Curzon Street as part of a traffic calming scheme.

"This will give us all a permanent traffic headache," said Mr Harris.

He said 53 questionnaires had been returned with 58 per cent stating they had lost trade during the roadworks.

Everyone felt the county council should make direct contact when it planned disruptive work and 84 per cent were opposed to the traffic calming proposals.

Thirty nine per cent said they had witnessed road rage incidents caused by the hold-ups in Curzon Street.

"You get traffic meeting in the middle and drivers refusing to back up," said Mr Harris.

He said he had witnessed a road rage incident when a driver was stuck with a queue of traffic behind him, and the on-coming vehicles refused to stop and let them have a turn at coming through.

"The guy in the front car got out and stood in the road and stopped the cars," he said.

"I was four cars back so I did not hear what was said but they looked very angry."

Mr Harris was also worried about access for emergency vehicles if an incident occurred during rush hour.

He sent out a total of 71 questionnaires and confirmed the general consensus of opinion opposed the introduction of the road calming measures.

Mr Harris said the county council had not consulted local business about the effects of the road narrowing, although it was due to make a decision on implementing the changes in October.

The chamber of commerce meeting was due to be held at the Lansdowne Strand Hotel last night.

adavey@newswilts.co.uk