MAJOR roadworks earmarked for the centre of Gargrave will result in the busy A65 being closed for up to a month.

Residents and traders have been shell-shocked by the news that the main route through Mid and North Craven is to become a no-go zone from Easter to the Spring Bank holiday.

Some are saying it will be like foot and mouth all over again, while others have revived the old issue of a bypass.

Lancashire County Council's Highway Consultancy department, working on behalf of the Highways Agency, says it will need to close the A65 in order to carry out the work, estimated to cost up to £500,000.

In a letter to Gargrave Parish Council, the consultancy said: "The condition of the road pavement - in this case the top 11 inches of road surface - between Anchor Bridge and the entrance to the Johnson and Johnson factory, has deteriorated to such an extent that major maintenance is now required.

"Intermediate measures such as those carried out in previous years are no longer a viable option. The serious failings in the structure of the road need to be addressed."

The letter states that the scheme is still in the planning stage and, therefore, no detailed information is available. However while the road is closed, traffic will be diverted via the A682 Long Preston to Gisburn road and the A59 bypass.

The letter also states: "It is hoped that during the closure, it will be possible to phase the works in such a way that local residential traffic will be able to navigate around the works. However, at times, it will not be possible to enter or leave Gargrave via the A65 and the western (Hellifield) end of the village."

A spokesman for the consultancy said the narrowness of the road - just 5.7 metres in places - was the reason for the road closure.

Angela Stead, of Dapper's ladieswear shop, in Gargrave, was outraged.

"I might as well not open at all during that time. It comes right at the start of the wedding season and I stand to lose a considerable amount of money," she said.

Linda Hartell-Payne, of the village's Dalesman Caf was equally dismayed.

"The Gargrave Business Initiative raised more than £3,000 last year to produce leaflets to promote the village. As we speak, 8,500 of these are being put into envelopes - at a further cost of £500 - to be distributed to guest houses, bed and breakfast establishments and hotels throughout Yorkshire."

Steve Finch, business development officer for the Settle and District Chamber of Trade said: "This is appalling news and could cause the same problem for our businesses that were caused by foot and mouth.

"A four-week closure, during the height of the tourist season - and at a time when we're putting a considerable amount of money and effort into the promotion of Settle - means that all that investment could be wasted."

The chamber has been in touch with Settle's Coun David Heather and asked him to speak to the Highways Agency on its behalf.

Chris Bonsall, of Ingleton and District Tradespeople's Association, said traders would naturally be disappointed by the closure, but said that if the work was unavoidable, then they would just have to grin and bear it.

Coun David Crawford, whose ward includes Gargrave, said he too was dismayed. He is to seek discussions with the agency to see if there is any way to minimise the disruption.

"We must accept that if this maintenance is to be carried out, it is going to be very disruptive for Gargrave and the surrounding villages."

Coun Stephen Butcher, who represents the Gargrave ward alongside Coun Crawford, said he was appalled that the village should have this sprung on them at such short notice.

"If the proposed bypass had gone ahead as it was intended to in 1991, this major roadwork would not have been necessary because heavy traffic would not be going through the village."

The Highway Consultancy has said that all residents and traders will be notified of the plans when more details are available.

Meanwhile, residents have called a meeting in the Swan Inn on Monday at 7pm.