A PUB landlord today blasted council plans to block road access to her business for six weeks while a bridge is repaired.

Edna Russell, of The Crown and Thistle, on the moorland road between Blacksnape and Edgworth, said the maintenance work would prevent any passing trade at her pub in the New Year, one of her business's quietest periods.

But council bosses said the work was essential and had been arranged for January because there was less traffic on the road.

Blackburn Road at its junction with Moorside Road will close on January 16 for up to six weeks to allow for repairs to Wayoh Bridge and other drainage work. Mrs Russell said she was unhappy that she had not been consulted.

She said: "This is happening in the worst month of the year for trade. The council has a responsibility to consider how businesses will be affected by decisions.

"In the summer it would not have made that much difference as people could have walked to the pub. But in winter they will just go somewhere else.

"I have only had the pub for eight months and I am still building my customers.

"I have no chance of any passing trade in the new year now."

Coun Jean Rigby said: "This work really needs doing and I'm pleased it's getting done because you often see water running down the side of the road because of the drains. But closing the road is going to cause traffic problems and a lot of inconvenience."

Coun Andy Kay said: "It was decided to carry out the bridge-strengthening work in January as both leisure and farming traffic will be less than in the spring, summer and the approach to Christmas. It is essential to preserve the future use of the bridge for traffic."