A hotel manager has claimed he has lost out on business as the result of roadworks which stop customers from parking on site.

Frank Digrado, managing director of Abbington Hotel in Hitchin Road, Stevenage, has criticised Hertfordshire County Council for not allowing motorists access to his hotel between the hours of 8pm and 5am.

The road has been shut for the past week during these times while road resurfacing works are carried out by the county’s council maintenance contractors Ringway.

The work was due to be completed last night (Wednesday) but has been delayed by wet weather, a Ringway spokesman said. It is now expected to be finished by tomorrow morning (Friday).

Sections of Lytton Way, James Way and Stevenage High Street have also been shut during the same period for resurfacing works, which has affected residents.

“With the road shut there’s been no way myself, my staff or my customers can get here legally,” said Mr Digrado.

“There’s no diversion route whatsoever. I don’t know how the county council expects people to get here but it means I’m losing out on business.”

Mr Digrado also claims he had not been informed about the closure.

The Comet contacted the county council for a response, and was referred to contractors Ringway, which have carried out the roadworks on the council’s behalf.

A spokesman for Ringway said: “Due to the nature of the works it’s not always possible to allow vehicles into the work area.

“We do our utmost to allow access when possible but it’s not a guarantee. It’s unfortunate but resurfacing does require the stretch of road to be clear.

“Pedestrian access hasn’t been affected.”

He added that letters about the closure were sent out to those affected about three weeks ago.