BUSINESSES in Poole have been left increasingly frustrated at a road closure which has been affecting their trade.

Traders in Wallisdown Road have expressed their anger after the council said roadworks will continue into the new year to build a new cycle lane.

BCP Council told the Echo the roadworks will continue for “a few more weeks” after bad weather caused a pushback on the December 16 deadline.

Business owner Tam, who works at Wallisdown News and Off Licence, said it is “obvious” footfall to his shop, in Wallisdown Road, has been affected by the westbound lane closure.

Bournemouth Echo: The road will remain closed during JanuaryThe road will remain closed during January (Image: Daily Echo)He said: “There are not as many customers coming in and also, as when they predicted the roadworks would finish before Christmas but they won’t be, it will affect our business at Christmas too. 

“I’m very worried about it; people from Sunnymoor Road onwards are not coming to us anymore. 

Read more: Completion date for Wallisdown Road cannot be confirmed

“We’ve not had any help from the council and if we ask now it will be too late because it will reopen by the time we get anything.” 

Bournemouth Echo: Cycle lane on Wallisdown RoadCycle lane on Wallisdown Road (Image: Daily Echo)

Hussein, owner of Royal Rooster, said: “We have our delivery orders and they cannot be taken towards Poole via Wallisdown Road.  

“It’s more time-consuming to go the diversion so deliveries are late. It is a problem. 

“People are very angry because of the roadworks and it isn’t good they are taking longer.” 

One resident, named Mohammed, said he feels “sorry” for the businesses along the busy road and that the roadworks need to be finished “as soon as possible”. 

He added: “The people don’t use the cycle lanes already so why is it being built?” 

Read more: What do YOU think of the upcoming Wallisdown Road cycle lanes?

Earlier this week the Echo revealed the completion of the cycle lane along the Wallisdown corridor will not be finishing until 2023. 

An original date of December 16 was postponed for a “few more weeks” and work will resume on January 3 after tools are downed during the Christmas period. 

Motorists have been left increasingly frustrated at the ‘improvements’ as traffic has built up eastbound and on the diversion route through Turbary Park Avenue.  

Morebus has also reported “severe delays” in the area caused by the work.