TRADERS in Eltham are furious with plans for roadworks which will close half of Well Hall Road.

It will close southbound, between Westmount Road and the Well Hall roundabout to allow Transport for London (TfL) to carry out improvements to the south circular for about a month.

Shopkeepers fear the closure will damage their businesses. Kieran Vithani, the owner of Vithani News, said: "The passing trade from drivers and people going to the bus stop is the main source of custom for me.

"All I know about these works was in a letter dropped into the shop a few weeks ago nobody has ever asked what I thought."

Residents also fear the work will cause delays to public transport and huge tailbacks, as traffic is diverted onto Shooters Hill Road and Rochester Way.

Ward Councillor Spencer Drury is angry about the lack of consultation and urged TfL and the council to discuss compensation for traders.

TfL said 3,000 letters were sent to residents.

Greenwich Council added: "We've agreed to TfL's arrangements as the best way to minimise the disruption and inconvenience to residents, businesses and motorists."

The road will close on February 1.

January 28, 2003 12:00