NETWORK Rail says work to replace the Ashley Road bridge in Boscombe, Bournemouth, is on schedule to finish at the end of next week, despite the bad weather conditions of recent weeks.

That means Ashley Road should be open again on Saturday, December 19, although spokesman Gary Gaskarth said: “If we have the opportunity to open any earlier we would do that.”

The nine-week programme of roadworks controversially began on October 19, leading traders to complain that their Christmas trade would be affected.

Boscombe Traders’ Association chairman Steve Kent said: “We’re probably at least 25 to 30 per cent down within the local area. It has been very hit and miss: one day you can be extremely busy, and the next you don’t see a living soul.”

He said one business had seen its usual £16,000 a month turnover plummet to less than £3,000. Some traders plan to seek compensation from Network Rail.

With more disruption to come from roadworks in the area next year, the association is also trying to negotiate a reduction in business rates from the council.

“From January to now, we’ve had 15 different roadworks lasting more than two weeks and we’re already guaranteed six for next year. It has been a bit chaotic,” said Mr Kent. “I hope when we get the bridge open, we’ll have four or five days left to get some money in.”