THE roadworks which will snarl up Hexham for the next 18 months will destroy the town’s economy.

That’s the prediction from a businessman who has just opened a new business in the middle of the Northern Gas Networks pipe-laying project along Haugh Lane

Businessman Graeme Edwards, who launched his shooting, game fishing and countrywear business at the bottom of Hallstile Bank just weeks ago, has written to Hexham’s MP Guy Opperman with an anguished plea for help in dealing with the chaos caused by the roadworks.

Mr Opperman has already raised the issue with Northumberland County Council, demanding an explanation for the planning of the works.

Mr Edwards said: “I am certain that I speak on behalf of the business community in Hexham when I say I am astounded at the current roadworks situation, and what I understand to be the future plans for roadworks, in and around Hexham.

“It is already affecting my business, as I have heard directly from customers that they are now preferring just to drive on rather than park and come into my shop.

“The Northern Gas Network roadworks from the bottom of Hallstile Bank – and soon to go up Hallstile Bank – along Haugh Lane are a disgrace.

“The holes have been dug but there is no one to be seen working on them. How can holes be dug and left, to the frustration of drivers? Why can’t this work be completed within a week or so? Why do they have to be dug then left?”

Mr Edwards worked for software company Sage for 17 years before launching his own business

He also expressed his alarm at planned future roadworks, which include roadworks on Corbridge Road for the new bus station, as well as the closure of Rotary Way and Alemouth Road for six weeks for bridge repairs and resurfacing.

He asked Mr Opperman: “What on earth is going on?

“Are these decision makers on a suicide mission to destroy Hexham’s economy?

“I would be grateful if you could help me sleep at night by letting me know how you can help me and the rest of the Hexham economy in the face of this unco-ordinated hole digging campaign, and how I can seek compensation for these matters?”

Mr Opperman commented this week: “Like everyone else I have been caught up in the traffic.

“It really does seem very poor planning.

“My real concern, aside from the frustration for residents, is the negative impact it could be having on trade for local businesses.”