BUSINESSES affected by a three-month road closure near Welshpool will not be able to claim compensation.

The Welsh Government said there is no statutory basis for making a claim of economic loss as a result of roadworks which has led to the closure of the A483 at Spring Bank, Golfa between Welshpool and Llanfair Caereinion.

The response follows letters from local councillor Graham Breeze, who has been writing to various figures within the government asking for support for residents who are being seriously affected by the work.

Cllr Breeze criticised the response, saying: “The result produced by the Welsh government is totally inappropriate at a time when businesses are trying to recover from the terrible damaging pandemic situation.”

Having already received complaints from residents living on these alternate routes, Councillor Graham Breeze has also heard concerns from business owners who are already noticing a reduction in trade just a few days into the closure.

He raised these issues in a letter to Montgomeryshire MS Russell George along with Mid & West Wales Members Cefin Campbell, Jane Dodds, Eluned Morgan and Joyce Watson.

Mr Breeze said: “Firstly these diversions are via minor roads which in many cases were not built to accommodate the volumes of traffic now being seen and in some cases are being ignored by motorists using even more minor roads to take short cuts. There have already been numerous collisions on these minor roads in the three days of closure.

“The work is being carried out by the North & Mid Wales Highways Agency and I am calling for your support for urgent measures to be taken to improve the diversion process and to speed up the three-month project with the possibility of introducing 24-hour working.

"Secondly I would like support in calling for financial help for businesses affected by the road closure. One pub/restaurant has reported a devastating loss of trade in the first two days of the closure with diversion signs placed outside the entrance to the premises.”

But a spokesperson for the Welsh Government said: “While the Welsh Government sympathises with any disruption you may have suffered as a result of the works, I must advise you that there is no statutory basis for offering compensation for any economic loss incurred as a result of a highway authority carrying out works under its statutory power or duty.

“I am sorry I can be of no further assistance in respect of this matter.”

The section of road is closed in both directions for roadworks to repair a collapsed culvert.

The closure will remain in place until April 14, with a diversion in place that takes traffic from The Raven roundabout in Welshpool to Neuadd Bridge near Llanfair Caereinon.