TRADERS in Llangollen say they have been hit hard by a traffic control scheme during gas pipe works.

Wales and West utilities has erected a temporary three-way traffic light system on Abbey Road near to Llangollen Bridge while it upgrades old metal gas pipes to plastic ones.

It has meant that a short-stop parking bay along Mill Street near to the Bridge End Hotel has been closed off and businesses say their trade has fallen off as customers have lost the convenience of parking nearby.

Rebecca Gilmour, owner of Finley's Newsagents on Abbey Road, said: "It's a bit of a nightmare because a lot of my customers park in the bays and just pop in and out. I have lost trade as they are not able to stop. In fairness the traffic control people have helped me when I had a lorry unloading stock, but I've lost a lot of regular customers - I've not seen them for the last two weeks."

The shop owner says she fears that the parking bay may be lost entirely under a £2m blueprint for the town centre which could see a mini traffic island placed at the junction of Abbey Road and Castle Street as well as the removal of traffic bays along Castle Street.

Claire Rhodes, owner of S.F.T.W. Barber's Shop, says the parking bays are ideal for her customers to nip in and out for their short hair appointments.

"The bays are blocked off and most of my clients who use them are only in for 15 minutes and then they jump in their cars and shoot off," said the shop owner.

"The lights are right outside my shop so it makes it difficult for passing trade and some of my customers are sitting in their cars in traffic and can't make their appointments on time."

Wales and West Utilities says the work is due to finish by Friday and that it wrote to all traders and householders in the area before it started the project on October 8.

It says any businesses who feel they have been "adversely affected" can apply for compensation under the Gas (Street Works) Compensation for Small Businesses Regulations 1996. They have up to three months to do so.

Wales and West Utilities Operations Controller for North Wales, Paul Astley said: “This work is essential to keep the gas flowing to homes and businesses in the area and to make sure the gas network is fit for the future.

"In agreement with Denbighshire County Council and in order to keep the local community, road users and our colleagues safe while we work, three-way traffic lights are in place along Castle Street and Abbey Road. The existing pedestrian lights on Abbey Road will be turned off during our work, and a temporary pedestrian crossing has been put in place.

"We worked closely with Denbighshire County Council to plan our work, but we appreciate that while we work hard to keep disruption to a minimum our work can impact on local businesses.

“Claims will be assessed for any losses that can be shown to be as a result of our work."

Business owners can discuss potential claims with Wales and West's customer service team on 0800 912 2999 or by enquiries@wwwutilities.co.uk.”