BUSINESSES have slammed roadworks that are causing mayhem at Whitletts roundabout in Ayr.

Malcolm Clark, owner of Furniture World based on Old Bridge Road is up in arms that his business is suffering because of road closures and unclear signage.

Confusion has been caused due to Healthfield Road being closed for resurfacing, blocking one entrance into Old Bridge Road.

And rivers have mistakenly presumed Mr Clark’s business is closed because of gas works taking place on nearby Low Road.

Mr Clark said: “Our turnover is dramatically down because of lack of access.

“It might have been easier if they hadn’t done both roads at the same time.

“Its not just us that is suffering, it’s everybody that has been hit hard and there has been no consideration for the retailers.

“If you are coming from out of town and you know roughly where we are and you hit all that traffic and confusion, you will just say ‘oh forget it’ and turn around.” Mr Clark is also furious that he had no advance warning about the roadworks.

He said: “Basically we have been hit with a double whammy and it would have been nice to think that they would have come and advised us what was happening.” Car sales owner Malcolm Ingram has also criticised the chaotic roadworks.

He said: “Business has been difficult anyway coming into the holiday period, it’s always a little more difficult so to be presented with some badly planned roadworks.

“I’d say it’d make things 10 times harder, with our sales being down 25 to 40 per cent.

“It is definitely affecting business, there is no question about it, we have had people who are trying to get to us and are giving up - it’s not good.” Marion Murdoch, shop manager of Crockets Equestrian and Outdoor is also fuming.

She said: “I would say sales have probably halved, if not more — just with less traffic passing, the main road open to the shops closed. The way they have set up the signs is not really adequate.

“I feel like a lot of customers are turning around and going elsewhere so we have lost a lot of business.

“We weren’t sent through anything from the council to say that these roadworks were going to take place. We were not notified by letter, by phone, by any ways or means. We didn’t know the main road there was going to be resurfaced at the same time which doesn’t help matters.” Stewart Turner, Head of Roads, Ayrshire Roads Alliance said: “Phase 1 of the works on Heathfield Road were completed on Friday July 17 and Phase 2 starts today Monday July 20.

“Scottish Gas is also carrying out works on Low Road and the Ayrshire Roads Alliance team carried out their works at the same time to minimise any further inconvenience.

“All businesses were lettered and variable message signs were put in place two weeks before the work started advising of roadworks and for drivers to expect delays.

“I will ensure that additional ‘Businesses Open as Usual’ signs are erected today.”