MOTORISTS face lengthy diversions around controversial road works on the A51 for up to four months from today (Tuesday).

Meanwhile, businesses are demanding to know why the works on a stretch of the main Crewe/Nantwich to Chester route weren't completed during the lockdown.

A section of the A51 is closed off completely at Wardle between the junction of Bougheys Distribution warehouse and the Texaco Petrol Station for the next 16 weeks as essential work is completed to stabilise the road.

That means anyone driving to and from Chester will need to get their sat navs out. The main diversion involves a circuitous route around the A534 Wrexham Road and A49 (heading to Chester), while for taller HGVs it is recommended they travel via the A530/A54 to avoid the section of the A51.

Business owners claim they were given only two weeks' notice about the works by Cheshire East Council, which is stressing access to premises is being maintained throughout.

John Bailey, who owns JS Bailey, at Calveley, said: "We've just had lockdown for so many months and this road was dead. We're busier now and they want to stop it again."

He says the cheese-making company's café will be severely impacted by the closure of the section of the A51.

"This will completely devastate the café and the shop. I don't know what I'm going to do with the staff," he added.

Mr Bailey said he first learned of the roadworks from a customer, although a Cheshire East officer did visit him afterwards.

Richard Thorley, of Bathrooms and Tiles by Pebbles, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "It's going to have a massive knock-on effect. Apparently we're not entitled to any compensation because it's repairs, not a new road.

"I've got no idea why it wasn't done through lockdown."

The project involves the reconstruction of the highway along with new drainage, kerbs and resurfacing.

A Cheshire East Council spokesperson said: "We are sorry to hear that some businesses heard about the closure before our highways staff had the opportunity to contact them. However, we have communicated with local businesses regarding the planned works and did so in as timely a way as was possible."

Better news for local motorists is that a road closure for ongoing works on Crewe Road in Shavington is due to be lifted tomorrow (September 1).

You can check out the diversion routes on the A51 via Twitter.