BUSINESSES which have lost thousands of pounds in profits due to massive road works outside their premises have been told they will not be compensated.

The shops and restaurants along Church Road, at the junction with the Riverside, in Stockton, claimed they had suffered a huge loss of custom after the on-going road works began last year.

Kevin Bowler, who owns Roundabout Kitchen, contacted Stockton Borough Councilhoping to receive financial compensation after seeing his takings plummet by 25 per cent year-on-year.

However, he was told last week no money would be forthcoming.

"I received a letter and it said that because they had not taken any land off us, there was no legislation for compensation," he said.

"It's like hitting your head up against a brick wall. I was advised that I could talk to my solicitor about it, but I can't afford a solicitor because I have no money trying to keep my business going."

The Northern Echo has previously reported how Moosa Padel, of Al Murad decorating store, claimed his takings had dropped from between £2,000 and £3,000 a week to just £300.

"People have been saying they can't come to the store because of the road works," he said.

Olga Davey, owner of Loren St Klair hair salon, said businesses should be compensated.

But a council spokesman said the roadworks would ultimately improve the area.

He said: "It's a huge scheme and we have done all we can to minimise disruption.

"We have maintained access to businesses, although, inevitably, there has been a period where safety fencing has been necessary.

"We cannot pay compensation for disruption to businesses, but the works will be coming to an end during the next few weeks and improvements to the area will ultimately benefit the business community as a whole."