FED-UP traders have spoken of their frustration after yet another set of works partially closed the main route through Westcliff.

Back in February, CityFibre started its second phase of £50million works to roll out 5G internet connection to homes and businesses across south Essex. 

However, works have now restarted in London Road - leading to a lane closure - and business is being heavily impacted, according to traders. 

Tom Pattrick, 45, owner of Café 316, said: “I am extremely frustrated.

“My business has died, the area is dead, and I am just paying to be here.

“I am getting bored of saying this but thank you City Fibre.”

Phase two started with one lane closed between Hamlet Court Road to West Road for two weeks, then one lane closed between Hamlet Court Road and North Road for two weeks.

Back in March work was due to conclude with a two-week road closure between Milton Road and Hamlet Court Road.

However, despite the lanes re-opening over the bank holiday weekend, works have resumed this week.

Elliott Evans, owner of World Wide Wings also in London Road, added: “It has massively impacted us.

“It has nearly been sine we opened with at least one lane shut. It was meant to be done in just a couple of weeks.

“We should be offered compensation.

“It is so frustrating. All the businesses here are being impacted.”

In response to the frustrations, Jean Gowin, CityFibre’s area manager for Southend, said: “The works taking place on London Road are part of our £50million investment to upgrade the digital infrastructure in the city. While we suspended works over the bank holiday weekend, they have now resumed.

“We are sorry to hear of concerns from businesses in the area and want to reassure them we are continuing to work closely with our build partner and the local authorities to manage any disruption while we deliver the works as quickly as possible.

“We made all affected businesses aware of the closure in advance of works starting and are maintaining access to parking bays for their customers.

“We would like to thank everyone for bearing with us as we deliver this critical infrastructure project.”