TRADERS and residents in Grosmont are frustrated that the main road into the village is still closed more than two months after three landslips.

They fear the closure of part of the B4347 between Grosmont and Norton is already deterring tourists from visiting what is described as the ‘most beautiful village in Britain’.

Robert Barker, who along with Margie Barker formed a consortium to buy the village pub, The Angel Inn in 2005, said: “The road has been closed for nine weeks or more.”

“We endured the winter and were hoping things will pick up but we have no passing trade because of the road closure.”

“I can’t see what is taking so long to repair a 200-metre section. It’s not rocket science. We put roads through the alps so it can’t be that difficult to repair a rural road.”

Mr Barker said it is affecting trade as visitors are turning back when they see the closure sign.

He said there is nothing to say the village is open for business.

“We’ve heard work could start in six weeks time and but it could be the end of August before the road re-opens. The council’s response is just not fast enough, the tourist season will have ended and we will lose an awful lot of money.”

Residents, Tony and Lynne Jellard are cut off from their horses and have to make a 26-mile detour round the Graig Mountain to travel to their horses just over a mile away.

Mr Jellard, who lives on the B4347, said:”Lynne drives 52 miles a day to look after the horses in the morning and night and works at Nevill Hall Hospital, Abergavenny in between.”

“Part of the road has disappeared down a bank and there are cracks in it.”

“One of the landslips is at the top of my drive and is on the main holiday route between Monmouth and Hay-On-Wye so we will lose all the tourists.”

Mr Jellard said an electricity pole had to be taken down and their electricity is provided by generators.

“Luckily I work from home but it is a massive inconvience for Lynne and many in the community.”

“Richard Brierly, 60, who runs the village Post Office, said the closure is also disrupting those who attend Monmouth Comprehensive and residents who do their shopping and business in Monmouth.

He added: “This is not helping our trade and needs urgent attention.”

Monmouth MP David Davies is calling for a temporary solution to allow local people to get to and from Monmouth after Roger Hoggins, Monmouthshire council’s head of operations said it will be several weeks before work can be reopened.

Mr Hoggins said: “We are endeavouring to get the road open as soon as possible, even if this means putting traffic lights on some sections.”

“However the landslips are extensive in these three places and the repair work will be extensive. We are aware of the inconvenience this causes residents, but unfortunately it will be several weeks before the road can be opened, even with traffic management.”