TRADERS in Wantage have criticised council bosses after being told they are not entitled to compensation for three weeks of road works.

They said the closure of Wallingford Street from September 13 until last Friday for resurfacing had hit takings hard.

But the county council said there was “never a good time” for road works and that they would not pay compensation.

Some traders have applied for a refund on their business rates from the Valuation Office but say this would not cover what they have lost.

Mike Rowe, owner of Rowes Newsmarket, claimed his takings had fallen by £1,000 a day, 25 per cent of profits. Even a £1,000 rates rebate would make little impact, he said.

He said: “It’s disgraceful, we should be given compensation. We have effectively worked for three weeks for nothing.”

His shop manager Mike Brown said: “People have got out of the habit of coming here.

“It has taken us until now to get over the last road works, and it could take two or three years to get back up to that level.”

Vincent Montgomery, owner of VF Montgomery Traditional Butchers said: “There has been no consideration for the small businesses. It is no good making the roads wonderful if you have no shops to come and see.

“Surely they should be there to back us up. There should be some sort of structure to support local businesses, and they should take responsibility for it.”

Mr Montgomery said: “I lost £400 to £500 a week. I have never lost so much in my life.”

He too said he would apply for the rates rebate, but this would only get him back £236 for the last month.

Marea Camara, owner of King Alfred’s Cafe, said she had lost about £500 a week.

She said: “I would like some financial help, but if I cannot I would like something saying they understand my financial situation.”

Oxfordshire County Council spokesman Owen Morton said the law stipulated that firms could not get compensation for roadworks schemes.

He said: “While there may be less inconvenient times to carry out such work, there is never a good time.

“We hope the finished product will be worth that inconvenience and look forward to getting the job done.”

The rates are collected by Vale of White Horse District Council but set by the national valuation office.

Office spokesman Kathryn Montague said it was common for businesses affected by road works to ask to a refund on their rates.

She said evidence would have to be shown to prove loss of earnings before the district council repayed any money.