A BUSTLING business quarter which faces up to eight weeks of disruption caused by roadworks could turn into a ‘ghost area’, according to traders.

United Utilities started work on Monday to replace two large sewer pipes under Appleby Road between Fowling Lane and Vine Street.

The work will affect the Kendal Business Park area for the duration of the school holidays.

But owners in the area have spoken out about their ‘frustration’ following the disruption caused by the Longpool railway bridge refurbishment earlier in the year.

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“It seems to have been continuous since January and the roadworks on the bridge seemed to last forever, and then there’s the work on the old auction mart,” said Rachel Paszczuk, a director at Sign by Design.

“There’s no passing trade and tourists aren’t familiar with the short cuts.

“When you come into Kendal there are signs saying the road is shut, and it’s not until you get to the Duke of Cumberland that it says business open as usual.”

Shaun Ellison, joint owner of Alexander & Sancto, said he was also ‘frustrated’.

Craig Burton of Burning Curiosities branded the organisation of the work as ‘appalling’ after seeing a decrease in footfall from ten to zero since Monday.

Polly Rourke, of United Utilities, said: “We know this will be a huge inconvenience to people and commuters and we’re sorry but by timing it to coincide with the school holidays, we are hoping the impact is a bit less.”