Business people in Fishguard are up in arms over the impact of roadworks in the town.

Shops already struggling to survive will be hit by the five months scheme and one businessman has warned there could be bankruptcies.

Fishguard's High Street is blocked off to traffic for three weeks and work will then start in West Street.

John Goddard, of Number One newsagents at the corner of High Street, said: "My business will lose out over the full five months. Already many have found trade has gone down and I don't know if all of us we will survive."

The nearby music shop has a notice on the door saying it is closed due to roadworks, but open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

Gareth Goodman, of Peter Hughes Butchers, said: "This has definitely hit our business. I have been watching the work that is being done and I certainly don't think the road should have been totally closed. There was no need for it."

Bleddyn Rowlands, of Corner Cafe, said: "The roadworks are stopping people coming into town. Our trade has definitely been hit." The problems were raised at a meeting of the Fishguard and Goodwick Chamber of Trade on Thursday.

Roger Barrett-Evans, director of development for Pembrokeshire County Council, told local traders that if their businesses were affected they could apply for a rebate in their business rate.

But John Goddard told the Western Telegraph: "It certainly won't cover the loss of business.

"Some people have extra insurance in the event of roadworks. Others don't and what's going to happen to them?"

The town's mayor, Cllr Mike Lloyd had every sympathy with the shopkeepers.

"I am in business myself and have gone through the foot and mouth outbreak which knocked our bed and breakfast and self-catering business," he said.

"My council will try to help as much as we can but our hands are tied.

"I can only say that I hope the people of the area will continue to support the town and still come in to do their shopping.

"They must look to the future which I think will be bright for Fishguard. By April the new town hall will be open and the library will move into town."