BUSINESSES in the Lower Wye Valley say confusing road closure signage is driving customers away from the area, despite businesses remaining open during ongoing roadworks.

Around 25 representatives from businesses in Tintern, Llandogo and Redbrook met at the Wye Valley Hotel to discuss the impact of the ongoing works on the A466 and the extension of the closure until July 17.

Lots of business owners gathered in Tintern for meeting.
Lots of business owners gathered in Tintern for the meeting. (Iliffe Media )

The meeting was attended by Paul Griffiths, Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development, Carl Touhig, Head of Neighbourhood Services and Decarbonisation from Monmouthshire County Council, and county councillor Ann Webb who represents St Arvans. Gloucestershire County Council (GCC) were invited but did not attend. GCC have been approached for comment.

Businesses raised concerns, particularly around a lack of consultation and communication regarding the timing and nature of the closure. Some attendees said they felt caught between the two authorities and criticised what they described as a lack of engagement from GCC.

One of the key issues highlighted was the impact of signage along diversion routes, with business owners saying motorists were turning around after encountering repeated “road closed” signs, assuming the entire area was inaccessible.

Traders reported significant losses in trade, with some estimating reductions of 40-50 per cent. They also described increased operational pressures, including navigating customer confusion, providing additional travel instructions, and arranging alternative transport for guests when taxis failed to arrive.

Consecutive closures were having a severe impact on their ability to generate revenue ahead of winter months.

Some traders said there had been no clear information about the full extent of the works or timely updates when changes were made to the schedule.

Ann Webb, County Councillor, said businesses were being significantly affected by the closure and stressed the importance of clearer planning in future works.

Paul Griffiths, said he had attended the meeting to hear directly from businesses.

“I can see how the signage is discouraging to visitors.

“There is a lot to be achieved by improving signage so it is clear that you can still get to Tintern.”

Grace Scrivens, a worker at the Wye Valley Hotel said the situation was “frustrating and hard for everybody”, adding that hospitality businesses were struggling.

“It feels like we’re hitting brick wall after brick wall. We’re not getting the footfall we need. It’s frightening times.”

Chris Rastall at Abbey Mill said the lack of early communication about the closure and its extension has caused significant disruption.

“Trade is way down, and it’s affecting suppliers as well.” Adding that their spending with one of their main suppliers was down more than 37 per cent in recent weeks.

Joe Costa, Regional Operations Manager of the Royal George said the lack of communication from authorities has been particularly difficult.

“We were suddenly confronted with signage in front of our business without any communication. We’ve seen a considerable drop in our revenues when it was first put in place, 50 per cent down in trade.”

The meeting finished with suggestions for improved consultation on future works, clearer signage strategies and better communication between authorities and businesses. A WhatsApp group is also being created to allow traders to stay in contact.