Farm shop struggling as roadworks hit trade

Staff at a farm shop have blamed major roadworks for causing a drop in footfall.

Over Farm operations director Ben Loughrey said the "perception" of traffic caused by the works on the A40 Over Bridge near Gloucester had put off visitors but he said the reality was that traffic was flowing relatively smoothly.

The "complex" roadworks on the major commuter route began in June 2026 and it was estimated the project would last nine months with work ending in March 2027.

National Highways said the roadworks were "vital to keep drivers safe and the route running into the future".

Loughrey estimated takings at the farm shop were "35-40% down every week".

"The worst part is the right turn to us from Gloucester because people have to go to the roundabout and back - most of the time the traffic flows, but people think about Over Farm and the A40 at the moment and just avoid the area," he said.

He said those at the farm shop were working hard to keep people informed about the roadworks via its website and they have set up a live feed using CCTV cameras facing the road to show the traffic conditions.

Bosses at restaurant The Lock Keepers in Highnam said they were also struggling with the impact of the roadworks.

Assistant manager Oscar Kay said they felt as if they had been "left to fend for themselves" and she called for more "clarity and communication" from National Highways.

"We were lucky to have a really successful summer, but as we've headed into the darker, gloomier months we've definitely noticed the drop, particularly with people having to change their plans due to the disruption," he said.

"We're all doing our best as a collective to pull together and do what we can, but it is becoming a bit of a struggle."

A spokesperson for National Highways said: "We appreciate delays and disruption can be frustrating and we have planned these works to balance the need to keep routes open for drivers who rely on it, while carrying out the works safely.

"We thank people for their continued patience while these essential works are carried out.

"We'll continue to monitor conditions closely and look for opportunities to make further improvements wherever practical."

Follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.