A 24/7 road closure is confusing drivers, customers and disrupting business for a Romsey pub.

Winchester Road has been blocked between Botley Road and Bridge Road since Monday, February 12.

Landlord of The Sun Inn, Ben Hathaway, said people have been using the pub like a “roundabout” due to not understanding the closure signs.

He said: “It has caused a lot of confusion. The signs make it seem like the road is completely shut but people can still get to us and we’re very much open.

READ MORE: Winchester Road, in Romsey, to close next month for Wilson Homes work

Hampshire Chronicle: the closure sign by The Sun Innthe closure sign by The Sun Inn (Image: Colin Dawe)

“Business has dipped and it’s a little bit quieter than usual but what can you do? Everyone’s saying stuff about the signs being confusing and a lot of my customers are over 60 so they might have trouble with it.

“We just keep getting used as a roundabout. Drivers turn around and go back the way they came.

“Everyone can still get to the pub by car or foot so please come on in. The pub’s accessible from Winchester Hill and Cupernham Lane.”

Others have commented in the Romsey News and Information Facebook page to criticise the lack of signs and highlight that the diversion route is unclear.

One resident posted: “U-turns this morning. Nearly many accidents.”

Hampshire Chronicle: The closureThe closure (Image: one.network)

SEE ALSO: Winchester road reopens following almost year-long bridge replacement

Another commented: “You would think the amount of time they have had to plan this that the diversion signs would be in place. They definitely weren’t in place this morning when I came up.”

The closure, for connection works by Wilson Homes, will remain in place until Friday, February 23. 

Residents and businesses were originally informed of the roadworks in January. A letter sent by Stuart Wilson, director of Wilson Homes, read: “We would like to reassure you that all the statutory service providers will be working as quickly and as safely as possible to complete this work without delay and the road will be re-opened once final resurfacing has been completed.

“We appreciate that works of this nature will create disruption for residents and local businesses and would like to apologise for any inconvenience in advance.”