A BLAKENEY businessman fears the closure of a six-mile stretch of road on the A48 could potentially close his business down.

Owner of Blakeney News, Food and Wine, David Mills, said that an official from Gloucestershire Highways allegedly visited him at the store last Tuesday (September 3) and informed him that the road from Elton Corner to Blakeney will be shut for resurfacing work from October 14 for at least six weeks, weather permitting.

Mr Mills said: "The man from the Highways turned up unannounced and said that from October 14 the road from Elton Corner to Blakeney will be shut for six to seven weeks for resurfacing work. The work is taking place both ways and no access will be granted – even for residents which seems crazy.

"I asked why the road couldn't be controlled by traffic lights and apparently the machinery is far too big for the road and public health and safety means that it wouldn't be safe for a traffic light system. I mean, what will happen to all the traffic as well as those who use public transport? Also how are our delivery lorries expected to get to us? It appears that this hasn't been considered.

"This could potentially close us down as we rely on passing trade. I explained this to the official and he said that they wouldn't be giving out compensation to businesses and there isn't a contingency plan in place. He gave me the name of the Highways' insurers but he turned around and said 'I doubt you will get anything as the work has to be done either way' – it seems those affected are expected to like it or lump it."

However, a spokesperson for the Gloucestershire Highways said that the road will be closed for a maximum of four weeks from October 7 and work will be carried out in three phases. Once work has completed in each phase it will then reopen.

In a statement, they said: "The first phase is at the Silver Fox Café at Broadoak to the railway underbridge in Newnham from October 7 to October 11. The second phase is at Awre to the Two Bridges junction from October 14 to October 25 and the third phase takes place in Blakeney village at the Awre Road junction to the end of the 30 mph speed limit, near the Blakeney Royal British Legion, from October 28 until November 1. The works here have been planned to coincide with the school half term week to minimise disruption.

"Due to the size of the machinery used and for the safety of the motorists, local people and staff, the road will be closed between 7.30am and 7pm and work isn't expected to be carried out after 5.30pm. The road will reopen to traffic each day as soon as it's safe to do so.

"Meanwhile, traffic will be diverted from Lydney via Whitecroft to Cannop Crossroads through to Speech House onto Cinderford and Littledean to Elton Corner. Full details of the advanced signing have yet to be finalised, however it is anticipated that advanced signing will be in place on the A48 from Gloucester, Chepstow and A4136 Monmouth, plus additional locations in between to warn drivers of HGV's of the closure points."

They added: "Letters will be sent to residents and local businesses will be kept fully informed of the work. They have been reassured that every effort will be made to carry out the work quickly and efficiently so that business can continue as normal."

Cllr Vernon Smith, cabinet member for highways and flood, said: "This is significant work to make sure this busy road is in the best condition it can be for the safety of all road users. We are carrying out the work in phases to keep disruption to a minimum for local residents and thank people for their patience while we carry out these essential improvements."

Local Highways manager, Brian Watkins, and an engineer are meeting the at the store with David Mills and some other traders in Blakeney to discuss the work on Wednesday, September 11 at 1.30pm.

If residents have any special access requirements they should contact Gloucestershire Highways on 08000 514514.

•The road closure at the A4136 at Staunton, west of Coleford is scheduled to last until September 20.

Diversions for Monmouth-bound traffic take vehicles via Ross on Wye.