SHUTTING the main entrance of a Benfleet car park is causing traffic chaos and harming business, traders have claimed.

The parking area serving the Focus DIY store has been gated off at its Rushbottom Lane entrance since Monday, after the nationwide company went out of business.

It is still accessible via a small service road used by stores in London Road, but traders say this is being blocked by shoppers.

They fear their businesses will suffer, as the Focus car park was widely used by shoppers using all stores in the area.

Matthew Green, owner of KJ Green Opticians, said: “We need it reopened as soon as possible.

“That car park was vital for traders in Tarpots shopping parade.

“Closing it will have a detrimental effect, especially given the difficult economic situation at the moment.”

The car park was attached to the Focus store, but traders say the company turned a blind eye to shoppers parking there to access other stores in the area.

Sailesh Patel, owner of Cross Pharmacy, is concerned about drivers blocking the service road.

He said: “At the moment it’s a real hazard. People are going up and down that road and there are great big lorries delivering to the Co-op store and Wimpy.

“It only takes one car to park there and the whole road will be blocked.

“We’ve got vital medical supplies that need to be delivered and what happens if a fire engine or an ambulance needs to get through?”

The Focus store closed on Sunday with the loss of 23 jobs after the nationwide DIY company ran into financial difficulties.