Firms' fury as street chaos hits trade

Businesses in a district near some of London's biggest attractions claim chaos caused by roadworks is turning away tourists and damaging profits.

The works in Bridge Street beside the Houses of Parliament began three months ago. Traders report a drama- tic dip in sales and many worry about how they will cope until December when construction is due to end.

The manager of St Stephen's Tavern, Mazen Ayash, said the works had hit business hard.

"Sales and customers are down," he said. "We usually have lots of tourists coming in but with the fence in front of the pub they don't see us. "The construction teams are sympathetic. Some have even come in early to help us get our beer deliveries. But paths are blocked and the disruption just means people stay away."

Tesco is also feeling the strain. Mukesh Depala, 48, deputy manager of Bridge Street's Tesco Express, said his store has 3,000 fewer customers a week as a result of the disruption.

"It's almost impossible to get deliveries," he said. "The drivers have to park far away and we need more staff to carry the goods. It takes longer, so every day we have to open late."

Westminster council's cabinet member for parking and transportation, Lee Rowley, said: "We agree that our roads are dug up too often and that this causes disruption to residents and firms. But this work is ahead of schedule and due to be completed before the Christmas period."

Deputy mayor for transport Isabel Dedring said: "We are not happy with the works' duration and the Mayor has written to the parliamentary authorities to press for early completion. I am meeting them personally to establish what can be done."