TRADERS who claim roadworks have drastically reduced their daily takings have called for compensation.

Businesses in Church Road, Stockton, said the roadworks on the nearby Riverside had gradually eroded their profits over the past year.

But they added that when a 7ft fence was put up outside their units last week it made the problems worse and business dropped by about 45 per cent.

Kevin Bowler and his wife, Maureen, have owned the Roundabout Kitchen for 27 years but said many customers had been put off by the roadworks and diversions.

"Right the way through, since the roadworks started last year, we have been on a sliding scale of losing business and, year on year, we are close to 25 per cent down," said Mr Bowler.

"But last week we were down 45 per cent after this fence went up. We cannot keep going like this.

"I'm looking for some kind of financial compensation and have been told by Tees Valley Regeneration that it is not possible. Now I'm waiting to hear from Stockton council."

Stephen Tate, at neighbouring Addison News, said the roadworks had caused custom to drop, but said workers at the site had used the shop, so it had balanced out.

But Moosa Padel, of Al-Murad decorating store, said his takings had fallen so sharply, his accountant feared the taxman would question it.

He said: "Normally the shop takes between £2,000 and £3,000 a week, but last week it only took £300.

"People have been saying they can't come to the store because of the roadworks.

"On some days we have only had two customers, when normally we have between 100 and 200."

And Olga Davey, owner of Loren St Klair hair salon, said: "Our business is practically cordoned off now with this fence. I think the council should have explained to us how bad this was going to be. We should be compensated."

A spokesman for Stockton Borough Council was unable to say whether traders would be compensated.

He said: "The roadworks are part of the new North Shore development and part of a major scheme to regenerate the eastern part of Stockton town centre.

"Inevitably, there will be some short-term disruption, but we are doing everything possible to keep it to a minimum.

"Safety is paramount and fencing is required for the three-week duration of those works."