PROLONGED roadworks across Harrow are destroying livelihoods, say traders who are seeking compensation.

Businessmen and women in Station Road say they are experiencing their biggest decline in footfall because roadworks in the town centre have overrun by more than a year, during which time some bus routes have been redirected.

Some retailers say they have had to let staff go and others are falling behind on business rate payments.

Taner Izzet, who has run Cafe Express for nearly 21 years, said he is so fed up he is now in contact with solicitors and Harrow West MP Gareth Thomas to find out if he can claim compensation.

He said: "I can't remember business ever being this bad. It's a joke.

"I know we are in the midst of a recession, but it's not that, it's because people can't even get to this part of town. Why has something scheduled to take six months still not been completed a year on?

"Every time I try and complain about it though, it's like banging my head against a brick wall because no one wants to take responsibility.

"I have had to let staff go. Other businesses are struggling because of it too and some have had to close. It's frightening for us because at the moment I'm making a loss and I have a family to look after."

The roadworks to install a two-way bus lane in Station Road to make it more more accessible were scheduled to end in October 2009.

Portfolio holder for planning and economic development at Harrow Council, Councillor Keith Ferry, said: "Of course, major projects like this cannot be done without some passing disruption to achieve the longer-term benefit.

"We have been providing regular updates to traders and residents in the area and work is scheduled for completion at the end of March."

Mr Thomas, Harrow West MP, said: "I have been talking to business owners about compensation and I believe some of them are in contact with solicitors.

"It's a very difficult topic because these works need to be done, but quickly and without too much disruption. It is essential for these traders that people can come in and out of that part of Harrow by bus otherwise they suffer, particularly in a difficult economic climate."

Roadworks are also likely to disrupt travel in Wealdstone while Network

Rail replaces a substation under the bridge in Headstone Drive, which could cause traffic to be redirected around Wealdstone High Street for up to six months.

No one from Network Rail was available for comment as we went to press.