TRADERS on East Reach are demanding a reduction in rates as they say roadworks are destroying their businesses.

The roadworks started on Monday, June 6, as essential works to traffic lights needed to be carried out. Construction is planned to continue for another four weeks until the works are complete.

But traders around the area have noticed a serious drop in trade, with one business owner saying he might has well be at home.

Ian Jackson, Director Sales, said: "It has completely killed my business.

"As soon as the roadworks started there was a drop in trade.

"My problem is the parking. With my business I need to be able to load and unload to deliver goods to people, you can't fit a washing machine in your pocket or a plastic bag.

"Before me and my customers could park for up to 30 minutes outside. But now, they have turned the two lanes into one, and if I try to park there the police have warned me I could be booked for obstruction."

Now the East Reach Traders Association (ERTA) has put together a petition, demanding the council to reduce or quash their rates, as well as offering compensation for their loss of business. Around 60 shops and businesses have signed the petition so far including Primark, Subway and Argos as well as a host of other small businesses.

Mike Giles, Chairman of the ERTA, said: "We should be claiming. Why should we be trying to live out of our own pockets when the road works are stopping our trade.

"The workers are fantastic, they are doing a very good job and working hard. We know it is not their fault."

Denise Cross, of County Flowers, said: "I got an email from the council telling me that my business would not be effected by the roadworks.

"But when I tried to call to tell them how Direct Sales was being badly effected, I was promised a callback in 48 hours that never came."

According to the ERTA, communication has been a big problem throughout the works from start to finish. A letter was circulated informing businesses about the roadworks, but some business owners say they never received this.

Mr Jackson added: "The warning letter only went to a few of us. When we try to get in contact with the council, we get ignored.

"They never communicated with us in the beginning.

"It has caused some serious mistrust."

Another concern is that the temporary one-lane system put in place will effect emergency services. There is a currently a temporary bus stop placed outside Direct Sales, just as the lanes merge together. This could mean that emergency vehicles trying to pass could get stuck in traffic very easily.

A spokesperson from South Western Ambulance Service said that they had not received any complaints about this area disrupting emergency services.

One business that hasn't sign the petition is recruitment agency Cordant People.

Rosie Broom said: "It is different for Cordant People because we aren't selling anything, but we have definitely noticed a reduction of people coming through the doors and that is definitely because of the roadworks.

"Last week we lost a day and a half because of a power cut but it is unknown if that is directly related to the works.

"I can understand how businesses could be losing trade because of the roadworks. We haven't had a financial loss but it has definitely effected the number of people walking past and seeing our jobs advertised in the window."

A spokesman for Somerset County Council said: “The upgrade of this junction represents major investment in the area, but unfortunately there is no way to carry out the work without some short-term disruption.

"We’ve done our best to keep this to a minimum and have issued regular communications since March when we first wrote to local businesses to give them as much notice as possible.

"We’ve been working hard to minimise disruption for local businesses, responding to any concerns, updating signs and adapting our working methods wherever possible.

"As the highways authority, we take all reasonable steps to minimise disruption and meet national standards and current codes of best practice, but we are not able to offer any form of compensation such as discounted business rates.

"We do apologise for any inconvenience and we’re pleased to confirm that work is progressing well and remains on schedule.”

The East Reach Traders Association has now sent its petition to Taunton Deane Borough Council and Somerset County Council and are awaiting a response.