TRADERS around Teignmouth harbour are being badly hit by the flood defence works.

They are losing thousands of pounds in takings because of the disruption in the area from the £4 million scheme, which is designed to prevent flooding of the low lying town centre area.

'Hopefully we will receive some compensation, but our main concern is the loss of loyal customers,' said Amanda Simmonds, of the Crab Shack and Seafood House.

'I cannot open yet because of the upheaval, and people have been asking if we have gone bust or just closed. I want to assure everybody that we will be up and running again as soon as possible.

'We are a new business that only opened last year, and we had planned to open in mid-February for the new season, but it was just impossible because of the works.

'Now we are hoping to open again over Easter.'

Ms Simmonds said all the traders appreciated that the project had to go ahead to protect the town, but they had not realised the scale of it.

'It is a very big scheme, and we had no idea how much disruption it would cause. Although we are not trading, we are still three paying vital members of staff, including our chef. Others had to be let go, and most have now found other jobs, so I doubt they will return.

'We are negotiating with the Environment Agency over compensation, but we want to send a message to our customers that we are all still here, and will welcome them back.'

Tim Cox, of Seasports South West, said the lack of 'footfall' – people walking past – was the biggest problem.

'They are not coming down here so often because of the works. Our usual convenient launching place also cannot be reached, and although the agency has helped to use a temporary site, it is still very inconvenient.

'We are keeping trading as best we can, and trying not to get too depressed about it.'

A spokesman for the agency said it fully appreciated the problems the scheme was causing to businesses and residents, and held regular meetings through a dedicated liaison officer on the site.

'We have agreed to pay for a large two page advert in the local press to explain to the public that the businesses, are still here and should be back to normal before long.

'The weather has been good, and we are well on target to finish by July as planned.'