THE boss of a motor repair business in Trafford Park says he is being driven out of business by road closures and traffic delays caused as part of the extension of the Metrolink to the Trafford Centre.

Rob Harris, who has operated Cavalier Garages, from a small site on Mosley Road, for more than 20 years says the ongoing works and traffic chaos created has for the past five weeks prevented customers getting to and from his workshop.

During the works, which had been advertised, Transport for Greater Manchester wrote to businesses in May warning them of construction works in early June, which has turned Trafford Wharf Road, Village Way into one way traffic thoroughfares. Second Avenue, Third Avenue, Fifth Avenue, Central Park Trading Estate(Mosley Road) and Praed Road are also closed to traffic.

Mr Harris explains: "I have never known it to be so quiet, but it is hardly surprising given that some days our MOT workshop has been brought to a complete standstill, while customers who face delays of up to one hour, decide to take their vehicles elsewhere rather than face the chaos which has been created by these works.

"I have been a motor mechanic for more than 30 years and I have a small staff of two other employees but this has brought the future of the whole business to the brink.

"Since these restrictions have been in place I have heard nothing from anyone to even advise me if I can claim compensation for this loss of trade."

Other businesses are thought to have been similarly affected in and around the area with one petrol station owner complaining it had lost thousands of pounds in business since the diversions and closures.

A spokesman for TfGM said: "While some road closures will be in place for up to three years, others can be for a few hours, days or weeks. All businesses have access to their premises throughout all works.

"The long-term nature of some of the road closures is to ensure consistency and to avoid confusing road users by regularly changing which roads are open.

"Where a road is closed, signed diversions are in place and traffic signals have been altered to ensure traffic flows are managed as best as possible. This will be continually monitored and altered if necessary."

He added: “I’d encourage Mr Harris to get in touch with our team so that we can listen to any concerns he has or arrange a visit as a member of the team would be more than happy to go and see him.”