BUSINESSES in Martlesham claim they are being robbed of valuable passing trade by the closure of through-roads in the village.The construction of a roundabout at the junction of Top Street, which is currently closed, and the B1438 has led to a dramatic reduction in the amount of passing trade going through Martlesham.

BUSINESSES in Martlesham claim they are being robbed of valuable passing trade by the closure of through-roads in the village.

The construction of a roundabout at the junction of Top Street, which is

currently closed, and the B1438 has led to a dramatic reduction in the amount of passing trade.

Until Monday, this

problem was being partly eased by the presence of an alternative route into Martlesham, via Sandy Lane. Now this road has been closed – and

businesses are suffering a further dip in trade.

Steve Bailey, manager of Spencers Garage on The Street, Martlesham, cannot understand the move.

He said: "It seems

completely unnecessary and they never told us they were going to do it.

"Until now we were doing ok, but now they have closed Sandy Lane things have got a lot worse.

"Who is going to go out of their way for petrol? We have just revamped our shop and this is not helping."

Mel Evans, owner of Anglia Pine on Top Street, has also been hit by the lack of passing trade and is

furious at the closure of Sandy Lane.

In the first three weeks that the roadworks were up and running he took just £12 in sales.

He said: "It is appalling what they are doing and they say we are not even entitled to compensation. Now they have shut Sandy Lane and that has made it worse.

"Now nobody is coming here at all. It is absolutely ridiculous. I have never seen anything so stupid in my whole life.

"We are trying to make a living and yet we are being given no help whatsoever."

A statement from Suffolk County Council said the road was closed on safety grounds and the decision would be reviewed next Monday.

Spokeswoman Hilary Merrett said: "Sandy Lane was closed temporarily at short notice due to serious concerns for the safety of people using the road.

"Sandy Lane has been used by traffic as a diversion route while roadworks take place at Martlesham roundabout. This has resulted in rat-running and a couple of shunting incidents. Suffolk police were consulted and were in agreement with the closure decision."

Construction work on the roundabout is due to be completed by November 8.