Frustrated motorists have had to find other ways around the city centre after two busy roads were closed this week for resurfacing.

And the work in High Street and George Street in St Albans, which is being carried out by Eurovia on behalf of the county council, led to at least one store having to close yesterday.

Maria Sodergren, the owner of Little Viking in George Street, had no option other than to close the shop because she was unable to get into it herself. She said: “I walked down to try and get there today and there were two huge machines and barricades across the road so I couldn’t even get into George Street. I don’t open Monday and Tuesday so I was hoping they would finish quickly.”

Although she knew about the work, she added: “Any disruption and people are not going to try and come down George Street. People said to me jump the barriers but i didn’t see much point in trying.” She hoped to be able to reopen today. (7)

Businesses in High Street reported few problems and a spokesperson for Waterers commented: “It has been quiet but it has to be done.”

The work has been more disruptive for motorists, some of whom have found themselves unable to enter or leave the city.

Many found themselves having to turn around in Verulam Road where the closure started and others who got into the city centre and tried to exit via Upper Dagnall Street found the road blocked by dray lorries for the White Swan and deliveries to W.H. Smith.

Work on the £45,000 scheme began on Monday and is expected to finish next Tuesday, August 12, weather permitting.

Terry Douris, the county council’s cabinet member for highways, said: “We understand that these works are likely to cause a degree of inconvenience to road users. We apologise for this and would ask everyone for their co-operation while the work is in progress.”