ANGRY traders in Boscombe will demand compensation for lost earnings when they come face to face with Network Rail officials on Thursday October 8.

The long-awaited showdown, over the closure of Ashley Road during the run-up to Christmas, is expected to be a heated affair, according to Traders’ Association chairman Steve Kent.

He is urging local residents and business owners to make their voices heard at a public meeting in King’s Park primary school hall, Ashley Road at 7pm.

Network Rail is organising the event following a wave of protest, sparked by plans to replace the Ashley Road railway bridge.

Traders pleaded with the rail company to delay the project to the New Year. But Network Rail said this would mean postponing the works until next April and putting a weight restriction on the bridge, warning that any further deterioration could lead to the road being closed anyway.

Council chiefs reluctantly agreed to the closure of the main road between October 19 until December 19 while the 140-year-old bridge is replaced.

Mr Kent: “Traders will be demanding that Network Rail compensates them for the tens of thousands of pounds they are set to lose during the run-up to Christmas.

“For businesses in Ashley Road the effect will be disastrous because they will not have any passing trade. Our worst fear is that it could spell the end for some firms because they will be losing vital business in the weeks before Christmas.

“This scheme should have taken place in January and February; a much quieter trading time, when the effects of the road closure would have been much less.”

He added: “Gas works have already started in Ashley Road and more road works are planned from Wharncliffe Road and the fire station roundabout in the New Year.

“We’ve already had to contend with months of road works in Christchurch Road. Just as they are about to finish, another main route is about to be shut.

“We don’t want people to steer clear and are doing everything we can to entice shoppers to Boscombe.”