FURIOUS business owners in Westbury say their livelihoods are in jeopardy because weeks of repairs to the A350 have put a stop to passing trade.

Until December, drivers who want to get to the businesses in Trowbridge Road from the A350 can only reach them by begging workmen to let them through the barriers by the Co-op roundabout at the entrance to Westbury.

Alan Petrie, of Alan Petrie Motors Ltd, feels it is dangerous and intimidating for customers.

He said: “Every time my customers come through they get interrogated and asked ‘where you going?’.

“You can’t really stop on that roundabout, there is not enough room. One of my guys pulled over and someone nearly went into the back of him.”

Mr Petrie chose the Trowbridge Road spot for his garage eight years ago because of its prime location off the A350, which sees around 500 cars pass an hour, and says he pays high rates and rent because of it.

He added: “It’s like Wiltshire Council have decided to put a fence up and seal Westbury off. We knew they were going to close the road but we weren’t expecting this. Nothing is coming into Westbury and we are talking five weeks of this.”

The nearby Magic Hand Car Wash and Valeting Service survives on passing trade. Manager Cristea Costica says cars are normally queuing to get in and they clean about 50 cars a morning. With the road closed, they are struggling 10 cars in.

He has had to send six of his 10 staff home and said: “I need to pay the rent but how can I? There are zero customers, there is no business.”

The road closure, to allow major maintenance, is diverting traffic down Station Road and Haynes Road.

A Wiltshire Council spokesman said: “We apologise for any disruption caused by this essential scheme. The nature of the work, the width of the road, and the houses nearby meant a road closure could not be avoided.

“Large illuminated signs have warned of this work for weeks and they include messages indicating businesses are open as normal.”