AN independent businessman has hit out a controversial roadworks scheme which he says is destroying his business.

Darren Lisney, who runs The Old Siege House Bar & Brasserie with wife, Nadine, has criticised Essex County Council over the £10 million revamp of Ipswich and Harwich roads in Colchester claiming it is the toughest period in the five years he has run the business.

He said: “Our trade has dropped by around ten per cent since September when the works started.

“We are the kind of business where that drop in trade really effects us. I have regulars explicitly tell me they are not coming due to the roadworks.

“We are already at the point where we are having to have less staff working because we know we’re not going to be as busy.”

READ MORE: Going round in circles? Ipswich Road works 12 months on

The bistro has created a new summer garden to attract drinkers, however trade is still a struggle.

Mr Lisney has written to Essex County Council and the town’s MP Will Quince asking for some relief for small businesses.

He said: “It is frustrating not knowing what is going on and they have just closed the road again with short notice.

“I have applied to the valuation officer for a hardship application but I doubt we will get it. Even if we do it is a small reduction. We are getting no help whatsoever and we have another year to go.”

READ MORE: Part of Ipswich Road to be closed for two weeks from today

Kevin Bentley, councillor responsible for infrastructure, said the works were essential for Colchester’s “long-term good”.

He said: “It is important to reflect that this was already a heavily congested area prior to works starting and with the expected growth, without improvements the corridor will deteriorate even further, with associated long-term consequences to residents and businesses.

“The contractors Eurovia have been doing everything they reasonably can to support businesses with information signs to drivers and by minimising the time any lanes or roads are closed where possible.

“We are approaching the end of the utilities works, however, once completed, the majority of work is within our control and during the next few months Essex Highways will be re-deploying resources and concentrating efforts on the remaining A133 carriageway to improve traffic flow in the area.”