Resurfacing work could bring more 'chaos' to town
BBCBusiness owners in Lydney fear roadworks planned on the high street will "add another layer of chaos to the town" after the Newerne Street bridge closed.
The road is due to close for 11 nights from 20 January for resurfacing work.
Gloucestershire County Council said it was "forced" to close the bridge following damage caused by flooding during Storm Bert in November, and further damage when a car ignored road closure signs and hit the bridge.
Independent trader Emma Kemsley said the last few months had been "really hard work".
"We're trying to remodel the business, trying to keep it going," she said.
"There are huge problems going forward and these things are overcomplicating the situation we're already in. I don't think anyone is working together and trying to resolve the problems."
Ms Kemsley said she is concerned the high street closure will "add another layer of chaos" to the town.
"How is Tesco going to get its deliveries that come in at midnight, how are people going to access work?
"I just don't understand and can't see why these things aren't being delayed. It's beggars belief."
'The vibe has gone'
Julie Burton drives into Lydney from Coleford every day for work and said her journey "has been more difficult".
"I either have to go around the bypass or use Springfield Road, which is really congested at the moment," she added.
"You do get quite a few frustrated people who don't give way. You've got to feel sorry for the residents living down that road."
Ms Burton said business has dropped since the bridge closure.
"It feels sad to be honest. When I look out onto the street at any one time there's only a handful of people around
"Pre-flood, this side of the town had a real vibe to it, the footfall was good and the shops were busy. It feels like Lydney is separated and people aren't coming into the town."
Resident, Karal Smith, said the bridge closure had "killed Lydney".
"All the shops are shutting, there's just nothing here for anybody, " she said, adding the latest road closure will also affect access to her home.
"I live in a one-way street, so when they close the road I can't get to my house unless I go the wrong way up a one-way street. It's just crazy," she said.
A spokesperson for Gloucestershire County Council apologised for any inconvenience caused to residents and businesses as a result of the closure.
"Divers will be attending to assess the repair work needed on the bridge on January 16, and their findings will help determine the timetable for repairs," they said.
"We will be carrying out work on High Street in Lydney to improve the road surface for all users."
Works will be carried out overnight and will take place between 19:00 GMT and 07:00 GMT from 20 January to 3 February, excluding weekends.
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