ANGRY shop and restaurant owners struggling to pay their rent bills, claim disruption caused by constant roadworks could force them out of business.

The latest in a long list of road schemes since last autumn, currently being carried out by Southern Gas Networks, has seen traffic grind to a virtual halt along Christchurch Road in Boscombe.

Business proprietors told the Daily Echo how there had been endless delays, horrendous noise and constant dust and dirt.

Sam Uddin, 52, owner of Momtaz Indian Restaurant, said: “These road works are directly outside my front door and have seriously affected business, particularly over the normally busy bank holidays.

“I can’t pay the rent and trade is down almost 80 per cent. They have been here so long I can’t remember when they started.

“My regulars are complaining, customers can no longer just drop in to pick up their takeaways. We have asked the workmen when they will be finished but they can’t give us any answers. Their digger has been parked outside for five days, even when they are not using it.”

Mr Uddin’s landlord Ian Fairbairn said: “Sam has been here a long time and has never had a problem with the rent before, all restaurants are having a hard time at the moment without this on top of everything else.”

Hasan, 31, and Kenan Yildirim, 29, run the next-door grocery store and off-licence. Kenan said: “When I approached the workmen and asked them how long the road works were going to last they said that they didn’t know and it wasn’t their problem. We are going to go out of business if this keeps up.” Kourosh Mahmoudi, 57, owner of a nearby computer store, said his frontage was blocked by steel barriers and machinery.

He added: “ People can’t get to our businesses and I can’t receive deliveries. The items I sell are heavy; it’s impossible to carry them so far.”

Samantha O’Connor from Southern Gas Networks thanked residents and business owners for their patience.

She said: “We are engaged in a £230,000 investment programme to replace the ageing gas mains in Christchurch Road and replace them with polyethylene piping.

“We will minimise, as far as possible, inconvenience to pedestrians and road users, including providing safe, alternative routes for pedestrians and ensuring access to premises whilst work is in progress.”

• If you have problem roadworks on your doorstep phone us on 01202 296502 or email newsdesk@bournemouthecho.

co.uk A Bournemouth council spokeswoman said: “The road works had nothing to do with the council.”