THE FURIOUS manager of a thriving caravan business said the firm could lose up to £30,000 if the council go ahead with planned roadworks.

Jim Horrill revealed how Reading Caravans Ltd lost £18,000 earlier this year when Church Lane in Shinfield was shut down for repairs.

The 61-year-old was left furious after discovering Wokingham Borough Council plans to shut the road again in order to build a roundabout.

Mr Horrill contacted Wokingham Borough Council and demanded the business receive compensation, but the authority failed to respond.

Speaking to the Chronicle, he said: "For a period of eight weeks during February and March this year the road was closed for drainage work affecting access to our site.

"The effect on our business was quite dramatic, customers had difficulty reaching us and even though it was one of our quieter time of the year, our accessory shop was over £18,000 down on takings from the previous year and who knows how many caravan sales were lost."

Contractors arrived at the site yesterday (Wednesday) to begin working on the road and it is expected to stay shut for six weeks.

Mr Horrill, shop manager, added: "The summer months are the busiest of the year for a seasonal business like ours and this closure is bound to have a huge effect on turnover both for caravan sales and those of accessories.

"I am told by the contractors that the council thought it was a good time for the works to go ahead as the schools will be on holiday and the traffic will be lighter.

"It seems that little thought is being given to local businesses and we are told that there is no provision for compensation for loss of revenue.

"At this time of year a six week closure could cost us, just in the shop alone, around £30,000."

A spokesman for Wokingham Borough Council said: