A BUSINESS owner claims he will 'lose thousands' as a main road closes for the second time in four weeks - with little notice.

Alan Avery, who runs Averys Garden Centre off Silk Mills Road, says an event this weekend running event will lose the business a lot of money on what is normally one of the busiest days of the year.

The Ciderthon running event is set to take place on Sunday, May 5, which will see nearly 900 people set off on a 13-mile route from Longrun Meadow.

The event, which is the first of its kind in the town, sees participants stop at each mile to drink some cider tasters, with a full pint at the end.

But the event comes just four weeks after Taunton Marathon, which also saw the closure of Silk Mills.

Mr Avery said: "We didn't know a single thing about it until we saw the road signs.

"I got in touch with the council who spoke to the organisers. I finally had a visit from them on Friday.

"I think it's appalling. Not even a courtesy.

"We have a planned shelf life for some of our bedding plants, and we will lose thousands as it's on a Bank Holiday.

"I cannot believe they can just close the road.

"Two ladies set to work will be missing out now. It has a knock-on effect.

"I am angry we will lose trade, but more angry they can ride rough shod over people."

Mr Avery explained how he understands Taunton Marathon takes place every year, and organisers always make an effort to discuss road closures with them.

Marathon organisers also offer advertising to the garden centre to encourage trade.

On Sunday, Silk Mills will be fully closed from Heron Drive to the roundabout until 10.30am, then closed from the Park and Ride to Heron Drive from 11.45am until 4pm.

Mr Avery said the road closure mimics the centre's opening hours, and while they will remain open, they don't expect many people to come in.

But organisers of Ciderthon say they have made an effort to visit Mr Avery, and more signage will be put in place to clarify the access to the centre.

Nikki Hawkes, director of Marafun Events, said: "We met with Alan Avery last Friday to discuss the road closures and are putting extra signage up for them explaining that access will be open to the garden centre from 11.45am.

"Businesses were contacted by letter drop one month ago via our courier company, however we’ve had three businesses tell us that they didn’t receive this.

"We have been in touch with all of them since, however its understandable that they are upset about not receiving communication until after the signs went up.

"The route is decided between us and the council based on knowledge of other events in the area and outcomes from safety advisory group meetings."

Averys Garden Centre will be open on Bank Holiday Monday for any shoppers unable to visit on Sunday.