A BUSINESSMAN told how ongoing gas works are hurting his trade.

Laurie Green, who runs boating store Boatacs with his son Philip, cannot wait for National Grid works to come to an end in London Road, Chalkwell.

He said the work, which started last Tuesday, has seen workmen fence off parts of the road, which has meant there is no space for customers to park.

National Grid is replacing about a mile of gas mains between Chalkwell and Southend and the scheme could take up to five months.

Mr Green, 84, was told the work was going to happen, but no alternative arrangements could be made for his customers.

He said: “There is a devastating lack of parking now.

“People don’t seem to be coming to us because they can’t park.

“I appreciate it’s probably got to be done, but it’s not good for us.”

Mr Green said he could not put a figure on how much business had been lost, but said hardly any customers visited the shop last week.

A spokesman for National Grid was apologetic, but said workers had to replace metallic pipes with new hard-wearing plastic ones.

He said: “This work is essential and will help ensure people in the area continue to enjoy safe, secure and reliable gas supplies in future years.

“We have liaised closely with the local council to ensure that any disruption is minimised.

“The work is being carried out at this time of year to minimise any impact on the tourist trade.

“To ensure work is completed as promptly as possible, some of the work will also be carried out at night.”

l If you have questions or concerns about the roadworks, call 0800 0965678.