PUB landlords say they have lost thousands of pounds in passing trade because of major traffic disruption in King Street.

They are bracing themselves for more upset when the road is closed off for 16 nights this month for night surfacing works.

And holidaymakers say visiting the resort is ‘a nightmare’ because of gridlocked traffic in the town centre thoroughfare.

Mike Roughton, the co-owner of the Queen’s Hotel in King Street, is calling for a reduction in his business rates because of the roadworks’ impact on his pub.

He has written to the chief executive of Dorset County Council and to South Dorset MP Richard Drax.

Mr Roughton said: “It’s the impact it’s having on the businesses here.

“I’ve lost many thousands of pounds in trade – a significant amount. For the past four months there has been a reduction in passing trade.

“When people are in here, there is a load of dust, noise and vibration. The traffic congestion is keeping people away from the area and the visual impact of these barriers is keeping people out of the area and is taking them to different parts of town.

“I would also say I was due a reduction for the length of time this has been carrying on for.

“The council aren’t providing us with a service, they’re providing us with a disservice.

“It’s been an awful week.

“I’ve spoken to people who’ve visited the area and they say that they’re not coming back to the area until this is sorted out.”

Road workers have barricaded off one of the doors to The Somerset pub in King Street.

Landlord Graham Thomas said he has lost around £250 to £300 in trade each Saturday for three weeks while the pub has been put behind the road workers’ barricades.

He added: “During the week we have probably lost around £60 a day. It has killed trade a little bit and it has killed the accommodation side of the pub off.”

Sun Inn landlady Jackie Stevens also said her pub wasn’t experiencing an easy time, adding: “I would like to see some form of compensation."