The manager of the Parkside Hotel claims the weekend and evening closures of Park Road – so Network Rail can remove and replace a railway bridge – is blocking access to his premises and ruining events.

He said: “The hotel is being strangled because the road closures cut off our livelihood – passing trade and access to the hotel. If people can’t get to us then how can we serve them?

“We’ve had to cancel weddings and events, or they’ve been absolute disasters.

“Park Road is very busy and the difficult diversions increase journey time.”

Park Road – from the M62 to the Parkside Hotel – has been closed on several occasions since work began in February, with diversions for motorists.

Mr Martin added that there had been no consultation about the closures.

He said: “I understand this is essential work but the impact on businesses should be considered.

“Work was scheduled for last year then aborted, and we only found out it was happening again from a lamppost notice.”

Featherstone businessman Tony Sykes, who organises singles’ nights at the hotel, said: “Parkside is having a dreadful time and we don’t make money if people can’t get in to events.

“Roads can’t just close like this, because it could cause a lot of people to lose their jobs.”

A spokeswoman for Network Rail said neighbours and businesses had been consulted.

She added: “One further overnight road closure was planned for Thursday March 13.

“We are now able to decide if any further closures are needed although we hope to avoid this by using traffic control measures.

“Network Rail is very mindful of the disruption road closures create and has used only 15 of 25 booked closures.

“We thank everyone for their patience while the £1.8 million investment to replace the bridge is completed.”