THE BUSINESS community in Blakeney has an important message to its customers: "We will be open during the roadworks."

Traders in the village are concerned that some people may believe that when the contractors move in to resurface the A48 between Blakeney and Elton Corner the "closed" signs will go up.

Meanwhile Stagecoach West is still working out what it is going to do to keep services running between the Forest and Gloucester if the works make the road impassable for their double decker buses that run between the Forest and Gloucester.

The work will be split into three phases starting on October 7 but is the last leg between the Awre Road junction to the 30mph sign near the Royal British Legion club in Blakeney from October 28 to November 1 that is causing most concern.

Russell Revill, who runs Dean Mowers in the village, said: "We were concerned that people have read the reports about the closure of the road and they may have thought that Blakeney will be closed for business.

"We've been talking to the (Gloucestershire) coun­ty council about keeping disruption to the minimum.

"It could be difficult for us when the machines are outside our door but we will remain open. We will even visit customers if they cannot get to us.

"We have been told there is no compensation for loss of business so we are just going to have to work with the council on this.

"We've asked that the council takes adverts in the paper ahead of the works to reinforce the message that Blakeney is open for business."

Concerned bus users have also contacted the Review, worried that they could be left stranded because of the works.

Michelle Jones of Blakeney said she relied on the bus to get to Lydney while her son also travelled by bus to college in Gloucester.

She said: "The bus driver told us that they won't be able to get the bus through and there are no spare single deckers to get through.

"If that's the case then lots of people who rely on the bus will be stranded."

A spokesman for Stagecoach West said: "We are aware of the forthcoming roadworks and are currently working on a proposal which will allow us to best serve our customers.

"This information will be available on our website http://www.stagecoachbus.com/west">www.stagecoachbus.com/west and on our buses as soon as possible.

"We apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused by these roadworks which are completely out of our control."