Barnetby businesses could close due to A18 improvement works
An emergency meeting between the local authority and residents will be held later.
Businesses in Barnetby have been telling Viking how they fear they might have to close if roadworks in the area aren't sorted soon.
People have been diverted away from the village since March as work to install a new £1.3m roundabout at Barnetby Top takes place.
It's also resulted in huge traffic delays with motorists being stuck in long queues.
Sanjay owns the local shop and post office and said he's seen a 75% reduction in trade since the work started:
"All passing trade has completely gone. Between 6 o'clock and 12 o'clock I had just 5 customers when normally it is really busy and people are queueing up. I have lost 75% of my business.
"I am now struggling to cover my bills and have had to take out a loan. I am going to give it another month and if not I might have to close, I can't go on like this until August, it is just too quiet."
Alison Breeze runs a sandwich shop in the village and says her business is also suffering:
"It's mostly the breakfast trade, people don't have time to come all the way round to get their sandwiches in a morning and about 75% of our customers just don't come in anymore. I'm actually having to cut my staff's hours from next week as a result.
"We are the only sandwich shop in Barnetby but there are other sandwich shops elsewhere and if people are finding alternative routes and going to them, they might not then come back here. It is a big worry because I have only just bought this business and the first year is always a challenging time as it is.
"I just don't know what we are going to do."
North Lincolnshire Council is now offering 'hardship funds' to businesses affected by the ongoing work.
A council spokesperson told Viking:
“It is important that those businesses affected by the roadworks apply for the funding to help them during this difficult time.
”It is virtually impossible to avoid any disruption when carrying out roadworks, but we are doing all we can to ensure the roundabout is completed as soon as possible. We will get it finished sooner than first anticipated, but for some, this is not enough and I can understand people’s frustrations.
“We have put in extra manpower to get the job done quicker and contractors are working from around 7.30am until 5pm during the week and 7.30am until 2.30pm on Saturdays.
“We will continue to monitor the scheme, and in the meantime, thank people for their patience and apologise for the inconvenience.
“This is a major safety scheme that local residents and Barnetby Parish Council called for. It is a huge investment of £1.3m and will improve safety at this busy junction.
“We are urging people to avoid the area if at all possible, particularly during rush hour. Diversion routes are in place.”
Tonight - an emergencing meeting will be held between North Lincolnshire Council and residents to discuss the problem.