Roundabout roadworks 'threat to restaurants'

Traders say long-running roadworks at one of London's busiest junctions are threatening to put them out of business.

They are angry at the time it is taking to revamp an approach to Hammersmith roundabout, saying the council's plan for a new slip road in Fulham Palace Road has caused months of misery.

Mayor Boris Johnson last week launched a "guerrilla war" against roadworks. But restaurant owners near the roundabout say they have been "caged in" by the works that began in February and is not due to finish until next February.

Avtar Mann, 49, manager of Ringo Pizza in Fulham Palace Road, has seen trade drop by a third and has pleaded with Hammersmith & Fulham council to reduce his business rates to compensate for the losses.

He said: "I know that this about improving the city ahead of the Olympics, but what about the people who live here now? What about the businesses that are being damaged?"

Azmi Gokmogul, 41, manager of Golden Fry Fish Bar, said: "Customers are complaining about the dust and have nowhere to park. If the roadworks continue, I'm worried I will have to close next week." Leon Morr, 41, a painter from Hammersmith who eats at the Golden Fry every day, said: "When I come out I am covered with grey dust."

Ewe Bandura, 51, manager of Tex Mex in Fulham Palace Road, said: "If this carries on we can't keep staff. I have never been so worried about making my rent."

Two-metre high fencing was put up along the edge of the pavement near the Hammersmith Apollo six weeks ago to prevent the public from crossing four lanes of traffic.

The Tory-run council says the work is essential and will benefit businesses in the long-run. Wider pavements will be introduced, more trading space will be created and it will allow 200 more cars to pass by every hour.

Deputy council leader Nick Botterill said: "This new layout will relieve a lot of pressure at the top of Fulham Palace Road and free up one of the most congested north-south routes in our borough.

"We vowed to do everything possible to get Hammersmith and Fulham moving and this is one tangible example of a common-sense solution to a problem that affects thousands of residents."

Contractor F M Conway is meant to work from 8am to 6pm but traders say workers sometimes leave at 3pm. A council spokesman said onits behalf: "We are working very hard to get the work done as quickly as possible."