AFTER enduring weeks of disruption, they thought business was finally getting back to normal.

But no sooner had traffic returned to Parchment Street in Winchester, workmen had to move back in to seal the road off — much to the annoyance of traders.

Contractors were ordered to return last Friday after painting wonky double yellow lines on the road’s new brick surface.

“It looked like it was done by a two-year-old, the lines were all over the shop,” said Simon Scantlebury, owner of the World of Beads.

“I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

Speaking of the earlier disruption to trade in the city centre street, he said: “It wasn’t good — it affect ed us. Customers were reluctant to walk past road works.”

Bosses at Winchester City Council said the contrac tors were asked to return because the “lining was considered poor workmanship”.

A council spokesman said: “Lining on brickwork as opposed to tarmac is never as good, but it will be fine for the foreseeable future.

“The scheme was agreed with the highway authori ty who are happy with the lining going down on the brickwork.”

“Obviously it has cost us footfall,” said David Hill of Parchment Jewellers.

“It’s cost the perception of the street in the short term. But in the long term I think it will improve the street.”

Asked about criticism of the way the project has been handled, the council spokesman said: “The supervision and quality of the lining is down to the main contractor, who employed the sub-contractor. “Therefore it is expected that the main contractor ensures that the work is of the expected standard as specified. “In this case it is unfortunate that this did not occur, but the main contractor was extremely efficient at putting the situation right at no cost to the city council.”

The one-way route was closed off for six weeks on March 16 to allow resurfacing of the road and to install a new art sculpture above the street.

But more than eight weeks on, businesses are still being hit by road closures — and it’s not over yet.

Despite the street being reopened earlier this week the city council confirmed it will need to be shut again over the coming weeks.

Contractors will need to return to apply a sealant to the new road surface, necessitating a two-day closure.

Ges Potter, of Winchester BID, said: “If the sealant is essential to protect the paving then it should be done.

“But it would help retailers if the work was scheduled for Sunday or Monday when many aren’t open.

“Any restrictions during the main Saturday trading hours may have a negative effect.”