Businesses fear they could face ruin because of the closure of an important county road for five months.

Severn Trent Water is carrying out a £3 million scheme to install new water pipes on the B4215 Gloucester to Newent road in the Barber's Bridge area from February to July.

It will mean the closure of the road either side of the Trioscape Garden Centre during this time and long diversions for traffic which could be a disaster for trade.

Speaking on the Mark Cummings breakfast show on BBC Radio Gloucestershire, the manager of Trioscape, Will Ormand, said: "It will have a dramatic effect on the business of the garden centre.

"It is our peak trading period in the Spring which we rely on to give us funds for the quiet periods of the year. We know it is going to have a dire effect on turnover.

"We are not against the improvements. What we are against is the full closure of the road for five months, seven days a week, 24 hours a day."

He is urging Severn Trent to investigate possible alternatives to a full road closure.

"We have been in correspondence with Severn Trent, most of it has been with regard to compensation. They have provided us with forms which we have been told are notoriously hard to complete."

Gareth Mead from Severn Trent said the decision to close the road had not been taken lightly but was essential for the safety of the teams carrying out the work as well as pedestrian and road users. It was really important that the old cast iron water pipes be replaced to help safeguard future supplies for people in the area.

More than 1,000 people have signed a petition opposing the road closure.