Roadworks reportedly causing daily hour-long delays in Stow-on-the-Wold have been branded a “nightmare” by affected business owners and residents. The gas works by Wales & West Utilities (WWU) on the A429 are due to finish before Christmas, says the BBC.

However, business owners have said the works are deterring customers from visiting the Gloucestershire village during what should be one of their busiest times of year.

A WWU spokesperson apologised for the disruption, adding that the “significant investment” would boost local infrastructure to keep gas flowing.

Boni Web, owner of Stow Country Clothing, said the work had reduced footfall “massively” and it can take her “an hour to complete what should be a seven-minute journey”.

“It’s really unbelievable how it’s hit us,” she added. “Sometimes the square is empty – which for November, pre-Christmas, we should be very busy.”

Nicola Taylor, planner for Stow-on-the-Wold at Wales & West Utilities, apologised for the disruption.

“While we are doing everything we can to keep disruption to a minimum, we would still ask that drivers leave more time to travel and use alternative routes if at all possible,” she said.

The company worked with Gloucestershire County Council to plan the project, Ms Taylor added.

(Picture: Mapillary)