A BUSINESS owner says his company has been “crucified” by a loss of trade caused by long-running work on a Kendal road.

Work by United Utilities to replace two sewerage pipes in Appleby Road has been under way since July 21 and is due to conclude on Sunday. (October 26)

However, David Greenbank, owner of David Greenbank Tyres and Towing, said the months of work had severely impacted the number of people using his business.

Because of the roadworks Appleby Road has been closed where people would normally enter his premises. Mr Greenbank said people did not realise they could use the back entrance on Shap Road.

“It is absolutely crucifying us, it just goes on and on. The road has been closed throughout September and October, which is the time when people put on their winter tyres,” he said.

“We have got thousands of pounds worth of winter tyres in stock and we are going to be stuck with them at this rate. This is absolutely destroying us because people must be going elsewhere.”

Although the garage normally had enough work to occupy four members of staff, the roadworks meant there was not enough trade to keep one person occupied, he said.

The work was initially expected to last the duration of the school holidays but was extended following the discovery of over 100 tonnes of concrete which needed to be broken up and dug out.

A spokeswoman for United Utilities said there had been unforeseen problems which had caused the project to take longer than expected.

These included replacing a leaking water pipe and diverting an electricity cable, she said.

The spokeswoman said: “We know some local businesses have been affected by the work and we’ve done what we could to keep access clear and make their customers aware that they’ve continued to trade. Our project manager has personally been to see a number of nearby businesses which have been directly affected by the work near their premises, and is helping them complete loss of business claims.”