BUSINESSES along Halifax Road are already feeling the affect of its closure.

Passing trade has dropped, they say, since the road shut a week last Monday for massive roadworks on the townbound carriageway.

And they are anxious to inform customers: "We’re still here".

Matthew Magee, manager of van rental firm Shire Link, said: "Since it started it has been fairly quiet along the road.

"I think people are avoiding it because they think it’s going to be bad, hence the passing trade we get dropping.

"I have spoken to a few businesses and the ones who do rely on passing trade, such as the BP garage, are really feeling it.

"Maybe a few people are choosing other companies because they do not know how to get to us."

Mr Magee said that traffic on the road during rush hour was bad with queues from Ainley Top backed up into the town centre.

But he says the road is unusually quiet during the rest of the day.

Mr Magee added: "I think we all understand why it has to happen.

"I also understand that many signs on the roundabout can be confusing, but it makes sense to have one sign saying all businesses are open as usual rather than selected businesses.

"Most of the businesses up here rely on passing trade so we’re bound to feel the loss.

"I’m sure it will vary as the sections of the roadworks move so we can only see how it develops."

Halifax Road inbound is closed off for another 11 weeks while United Utilities carry out major gas works.

However, the road remains open outbound and businesses along the road remain open.

Nural Islam of the Tamanna’s Indian Restaurant is also critical of the diversion signs to some Halifax Road businesses.

He also said that he lost trade last week when the works meant electricity was cut off while he had customers dining.

"It got worse last Thursday when we had people dining and they cut a cable – it meant we lost trade then too."

Mr Islam added: "They are saying they don’t want too much information on the roundabout, but why have they selected some businesses for what seems to be free advertising?

"It is only the second week and we are losing passing trade.

Some motorists have reported a wait of up to 15 minutes to get from the motorway junction 24 to the Ainley Top roundabout, while queues build up around junction 25 for motorists using Wakefield Road and the Cooper Bridge roundabout.

The works are expected to be completed by July.