TRADERS in Parkgate feared their business would suffer after a 'Road closed' sign was put up in error by council highways engineers.

Station Road, which connects Parkgate to Neston High Street, is currently closed to motorists for re-surfacing work.

But horrified businessowners noticed a 'Road Closed' sign had been put up at the entrance to Boathouse Lane at its junction with the Chester High Road this morning.

They said the sign had been put up in error and praised Cheshire West and Chester council engineers for quickly removing the sign after the mistake was pointed out.

Dawn Lyon, chair of Parkgate Traders Association told the Globe: "We just get so frustrated when things like this happen, because it gives the wrong impression, that we were closed for business.

"People come down here all the time, but they don't drive through; they stop for a coffee or ice cream.

"Fortunately, the council acted quickly once we'd pointed out the error and removed the sign.

"Our message to the council is consider the effects this sort of mistake can have on businesses before it happens again.

"A lot of people are employed along here and errors like this can have huge impacts on business."

Terry Sharpe, landlord of the Red Lion pub said: "It's been a catastrophe of a morning, as far as motorists are concerned.

"Up until about 12.30pm there was hardly a car down here. A lot of people don't realise that there are only a couple of ways in and out of the promenade.

"Thankfully, the signage was removed almost as soon as the error was spotted. It's very much business as usual now."

In a statement Cheshire West And Chester Council said: "We would like to apologise for the wrong signage placed in Boathouse Lane.

"This error was quickly rectified after we were made aware of it.

"New signage will be erected shortly, stating that Neston town centre cannot be accessed via Boathouse Lane."