Traders on one of south Manchester’s busiest roads are struggling to survive after it was closed to traffic for up to 14 weeks.

Bar, restaurant and shop owners on Burton Road, West Didsbury, say they have seen trade fall by as much as 40 per cent since it was shut on January 3 for major modernisation works on underground sewers.

And they have pleaded for customers to ‘rally round’ the independent stores to make sure they do not go under.

The news comes as the council sent out a consultation document to residents and traders, outlining improvements to Burton Road – much loved for its independent stores – to boost parking spaces, resurface the road, put in a pedestrian crossing, plant trees and install spaces for bikes. The council sent out the letter this week. Locals have until February 10 to say if they agree or disagree with the plans and to send in their comments.

There are fears that further work could lead to more disruption.

United Utilities, who are upgrading the sewers under Burton Road to avoid flooding following heavy rain, closed part of the road to traffic on January 3.

Under the scheme Burton Road has been closed from the junction with Nell Lane, meaning traffic does not pass the usually busy shops.

The road isn’t expected to reopen until early April – meaning the work will have taken some 14 weeks. All traders agree the work is essential, although some are unhappy at the length of time it is set to take.

Raj Basnet, owner of the Gurkha Grill Nepalese restaurant, said: "I think it could have been done quicker. A lot of businesses are really struggling."

He added that his trade had fallen by around 40 per cent.

Justin Parkinson, owner of Folk bar, said: "We are lucky in that we get trade from pedestrians and weekend trade, but shops that are just open during the day are finding it particularly hard."

Coun Dave Ellison, who represents Didsbury: "We’re calling on all the loyal customers of Burton Road’s independent businesses to rally round and support their favourite places while the road is closed."

A spokesman for United Utilities said: "We appreciate and fully understand the concerns of the traders and we have worked closely with them throughout to try to keep life flowing smoothly on Burton Road. Access on foot to the shops will be maintained throughout the work and we’ve also put up banners on site to help get that message across."

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