SHOPS in West Bathurst are losing a significant amount of business, being hampered by the construction work at the intersection of Mitre, Suttor and Lambert streets.
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Contractors from Talis Civil arrived on site in late November to commence the major project, which will see a realignment of the intersection and installation of a roundabout.
Significant construction work got under way at the end of January, which has seen barriers and fencing put in place, changes to bus stops and closure of two car parking facilities.
Owner of A&B Quality Meats, Deon Reynolds, said many people were avoiding the area altogether, which only exacerbates the other big issue, a lack of parking.
As a result, her business has lost a lot of customers, and it's only set to get worse when the car park in front of the shop closes next week.
Ms Reynolds said she and the other business owners felt let down by Bathurst Regional Council, and they aired their frustrations during last week's meeting.
Councillors were invited to come see the situation for themselves and so far only two, Warren Aubin and Alex Christian, have taken them up on the offer.
"They're the only two. No one else has bothered to even ring, so that's pretty sad, too," Ms Reynolds said.
"They're supposed to support local business."
Labh Singh, who owns the Lucky 7 Supermarket, said it has been a very hard time for his store also.
"This is very, very bad for business," he said.
He has spoken with council before and requested that the work be done in a way that ensures at all times there is some kind of customer parking available, which would help alleviate the problem.
"I request with the council if it is possible to do the half and half job, otherwise you give compensation," Mr Singh said.
Ms Reynolds also wants to see council provide businesses with financial compensation, given that this project has months left to go.
"Council can't devalue someone's business and just wipe their hands of it," she said.
"The problem is, it's not short-term. If it was two months, I'd suck it up, but when you're talking August, it's just not sustainable."
Council has told businesses that it doesn't provide compensation.
What council has done is ensure there is signage at the site to remind people the shops remain open, mentioned that businesses are open in posts on social media, and deputy mayor Ian North has also encouraged people via the radio to support the businesses.
Cr Christian has made similar comments.
"It's going to take a community effort," he said.
"We all need to look after each other. Everyone needs to support these businesses, like we asked people to do for the Howick and George street works."
