AN explosion of roadworks in Watford is threatening to cause gridlock for motorists and a severe slump in trade for small businesses.

The latest scheme, due to start in mid-June, will mean road closures and one-way diversions for three weeks in Wiggenhall Road, Oxhey Lane and Hagden Lane three major routes connecting the borough.

It will coincide with a 20-week programme of works at Watford Junction, due to be completed in August.

In Wiggenhall Road, resurfacing is to take place between 7am and 7pm on Saturdays and Sundays, with a one-way northbound system. Southbound traffic away from the town centre will be diverted.

Mr Philip Wight predicts a significant drop in trade at his car dealership, the Philip Wight Motor Company, in Wiggenhall Road.

He said: "I am speechless. If they are going to have three sets of roadworks running in the area, we are going to have a nightmare.

"I am doing my best to try and stay in business and keep up with everyone else. I have taken on more staff this year and we now open on Sundays. The weekends are our busiest time on a Saturday we usually sell three or four cars.

"People have to come to us to see our wares. They phone us during the week and then come down on the weekend for a test drive. If they can't get here, we will lose business.

"To do a test drive when the works are on could take two or three hours with traffic. It would normally take 20 minutes.

"I don't mind them doing roadworks but not all at the same time. The whole of Watford will grind to a halt."

May 1, 2003 16:30