Mark Heaton, of Lincolnshire County Council, told club executive members Wade Rowlett and Alastair Hawken that more works were planned that would last beyond the summer.

Mr Heaton told club representatives there was no way of preventing the work in Springfield Road by housing developer Bovis Homes - because of pressure to do more work in other parts of town.

Traders say the works are killing their businesses in what should be the busy Christmas period.

Mr Heaton said: "I called a meeting with Bovis because of concerns I had. I was concerned the programme of works was too long.
"They said 20 weeks but its been reduced to 12 weeks."

Mr Heaton said Bovis stated categorically that it would not work on Springfield Road during the Christmas period.

Mr Hawken said: "Grantham is a bigger business than Bovis Homes.

"I would argue every time that a private developer doesn't take priority over a town's economy."

Mr Heaton agreed with the business club that better communication is needed to help businesses prepare for future roadworks.

Mr Rowlett said: "What we can all learn from this is forewarned is forearmed."

But there was warning of more work to come, lasting up until the summer and beyond.

Work in Springfield Road is due to continue until March, with work after that including:

Wharf Road - gas main replacement works in March.

London Road/Wharf Road junction - Remodelling work starting in April and lasting 10 weeks

Harlaxton Road/ Trent Road/Springfield Road junction - remodelling as part of a planned development of the James Irlam haulage yard for 10 to 12 weeks

A1 sliproad at Harlaxton Road - remodelling work lasting

Ongoing maintenance work including resurfacing work in Bridge End Road, Belton Lane and Brook Street

Replacement of traffic lights in High Street

Remodelling of the junction of Springfield Road and London Road to increase capacity.

CLICK HERE to email us your YOUR NEWS or your views on the news.