TRADERS and motorists got a taste of things to come on day one of a nine-week road closure.

While there was traffic chaos in the surrounding roads, business bosses in Ashley Road, Boscombe, said they face closure because of the loss of passing trade.

The road has been closed so that Network Rail can replace a 140-year-old railway bridge.

Diversions have been set up and a temporary park-and-ride service is operating but traders said they are missing out on the busiest time of the year, the run-up to Christmas.

“There is nothing on the road - it’s absolutely dead already,” said Andy Morris, manager at Sydenhams.

“It is going to destroy businesses in this area because all the passing trade has gone.

“This is a peak time for us because people want their new kitchens before Christmas.”

Mr Morris said he believes Kings Park should be open to all traffic.

“These are exceptional circumstances. This is going to take a very long time,” he added.

Philip Chant of Phil’s Motorcycle Mall also questioned the length of time the work is going to take and said: “If the Army were involved it would only take them an hour to put a bridge up.

“At least one business has closed up for a few weeks because they know it won’t be worth it while the road is closed.”

Traders in Boscombe’s pedestrian precinct are also furious, claiming Christmas shoppers will go elsewhere.

But local councillor Phil Stanley-Watts has urged members of the public to back Boscombe traders.

“People will need to plan their trip a bit more carefully but they shouldn’t be put off coming to Boscombe – there’s such a good choice of shops,” he said.