TRADERS who are losing business, and home owners who say they have been marooned by road closures caused by the shutting of Dauntsey Lock railway bridge, are calling for compensation.

Upset business people held a meeting on Monday evening to protest about the decision to close three narrow roads that had been used as rat runs by drivers since the bridge was shut on March 8.

It will remain closed for five months as part of the electrification of the rail service.

Bowd’s Lane, Trow Lane and the road from Tockenham Wick to Grittleton were closed at the end of last week after residents complained about road safety.

But the closure has hit businesses such as Pound Farm Shop in Lyneham which is run by Tim Webb.

He said: “My business at the weekend was down by 50 per cent. My family has run this business for 60 years and I have never known anything like it. I have four part-time staff and I may have to think about reducing this number.”

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “We sympathise with local businesses that the road closure at Dauntsey Lock could lead to a reduction of passing trade, but unfortunately there is no legal basis for a claim for compensation.”