OWNERS of a family-run independent car wash in Hereford claim the A49 southbound road closure is “crippling” their business.

IMO Car Wash in Newtown Road is situated at the start of the closure as the road is closed between the junction with Mortimer Road and the Pizza Hut roundabout.

The road has been closed since last week to southbound traffic and will be for nine weeks.

Richard Franks, his wife, Corrin, and son, Matthew run the car wash service.

Mr Franks said: “It is crippling it [the business]. Our problem is that by the Staring Gate it says road closed and there is a diversion to go across the top.

“If you come by the back of B&Q it also says road closed and there is another diversion.

“And then at the mini roundabout by Widemarsh Common it says road closed and there is a third diversion to go up Grandstand Road.

“Cars can get to us but the signs are telling them not to go to us.”

He said so far they must have lost between £3,000 to £4,000 in turnover per week.

Mr Franks has had to cut hours for his staff.

They have also put a £1.99 promotion on, which is normally snapped up, but due to the closure it has not made a difference.

He added: “They are being turned away before they get the chance to see we are open.”

Mr Franks said he requested a sign to say “Business Open As Usual” and the council has now put one up.

Further roadworks started on Monday with resurfacing work across the county.

This has caused evening delays due to resurfacing work in Belmont Road (6pm to 1am) and separate roadworks to re-line the carriageway on Greyfriars Bridge on the A49.

The resurfacing work should finish by tomorrow (Friday) in Belmont Road.

The re-lining work is taking place between 8pm and 6am on the A49 between the Starting Gate roundabout and the Belmont roundabout until October 19.

Edgar Street will be closed from Eign Street to Starting Gate from October 16 for three nights.

A Herefordshire Council spokesman said: “We appreciate that the works can cause temporary disruption for local businesses and as a result the works are being undertaken day and night to minimise disruption. Signs have been placed on the highway indicating businesses are open.”