Trader Hamish Watson is to withhold his business rates until Wiltshire Council says how much compensation it is willing to give to Marlborough businesses suffering during the current road works.

Shops say trade has dropped by up to 30 per cent since work on gas mains in London Road that began in January was followed by the closure for repairs of Pewsey Road Bridge, expected to last until February.

Hamish Watson, who owns Susie Watson Designs in the High Street with his wife Susie, is so furious at what he sees as the council’s uncaring attitude, that he has given instructions to his accounts department to withhold payment of rates.

He said: “The council don’t seem to understand that our break-even point is quite high because of the amount we pay in rent, rates and other costs.

“I have said we will withhold our rates until we know what compensation the council is prepared to offer us.”

Although Marlborough Chamber of Commerce is also seeking compensation for its membership, it is not prepared to go as far as Mr Watson.

Chris Birkett, who chairs the chamber’s retail forum, said they are urging members to apply for a 50 per cent reduction in rates.

He said: “Wiltshire Council already has a mechanism in place for traders to claim reduction in their business rate. We are sending them all application forms with instructions on how to make them out.

“It is just another way of getting Wiltshire Council to listen to our plight. They are talking about reopening the bridge during the Mop Fairs and then closing it again over Christmas. They could quite easily leave it open until the new year. January and February are going to be quiet anyway, but closing it over Christmas is just going to kill us.

“A lot of businesses will go under. If any trader wants to withhold their rates that is their decision.”