TRADERS in Witney are bracing themselves for six months of misery, with a major route into the town centre closed for the second time in less than 12 months.

The Welch Way entrance to the High Street will be closed until the end of October, while the final phase of the Marriotts Close shopping centre development takes place.

Simons, the company behind the development, said the closure was essential to carry out work that would provide a new road, along with infrastructure like drainage, power and drains.

Company director Luke Pickering said: “In order to make sure that this is completed safely and considerately, it has been necessary to arrange the closure of Welch Way.

“We hope to cause minimum disruption.”

Martin Kernahan, who owns a car dealership in High Street, said the closure would have a detrimental effect on businesses in the town centre.

Referring to the closure of the road for four months before Christmas, he said: “We all know what happened before – the town was dead.

“People gave up coming into Witney.

“I’m worried that this is what the next six months will be like.”

Chamber of trade chairman Leslie Semaine, who also runs the Royal Oak pub in High Street, said: “A lot of people are extremely worried about the impact it will have on business.”

Larry Bowes, of the Cafe Bakehouse in High Street, said: “It’s an absolute nightmare.”