TRADERS hit by sewage pipe works are furious work scheduled to last five days may go on for a further 15 weeks.

They say the work in Main Road, Dovercourt, is affecting trade.

Martyn Donn, of Leam’s Laces in High Street, said: “It’s a joke. It’s affecting us, because people are put off coming into town.

“Lots of customers complain because of the diversion. Why does the road have to be closed?”

Sara Rowland, Anglian Water spokesman, said: “We apologise for any inconvenience to locals, but this work has to be carried out.

“It doesn’t look like a huge job but it’s more than 20 feet deep and we are undertaking the work as safely and quickly as we can.”