BUSINESS owners hit by the closure of St Cross Road say their woes have been compounded by one of the worst winters on record.

The Bell Inn pub and The Frying Fish shop say trade has dropped off significantly since the major Winchester route was shut off on January 4.

Fish and chip shop owner Mark Teague said trade was down 65 per cent last week compared with a normal seven-day period. It has forced him to tell staff their hours will have to be cut otherwise the takeaway will not survive the next three months.

"Last week was absolutely terrible," said Mr Teage. "I'm not sure whether it's the snow or the road closure.

"We're cutting down on staffing but they are reluctant to lose their hours. I told them it's just for three months otherwise we won't be here."

Clive Mansell, who runs The Bell, as well as The Queen Inn and The Fulflood Arms, said trade was by up to 30 per cent.

"It's extremely quiet but we don't know whether that's the road closure or the weather," he said. "It's the passing trade where we are struggling, it goes extremely quiet between one and six."

The publican said there was a chance of compensation from Network Rail but that any money would not be handed out until the summer.

"We're fighting to survive the next 12 weeks," he added. "We hope we're going to have a cracking summer so we can pay back the debts we owe."

Meanwhile Hampshire County Council has defended its role in the road closure saying it had no influence on when the works were carried out.

Asked whether the heightening of the railway bridge could have been delayed until the new park and ride site was open, a spokeswoman said: "An early opening of the park and ride was considered but significant contractual and engineering restrictions prevented this option."