Compensation for shops and companies disrupted by a 17-day road closure is being demanded by Bradford South MP Gerry Sutcliffe.

Mr Sutcliffe has promised to lobby Railtrack on behalf of traders who claim they could be ruined by bridge repairs in Cleckheaton Road, Oakenshaw, Bradford.

Bridge owners Railtrack said closure was unavoidable as the centre of the subsided bridge, which has been reduced to a single carriageway for two years, needed to be completely replaced.

But the work, which will separate Oakenshaw from Low Moor, will turn both sections of the road into a cul-de-sac ending passing trade which many businesses say provides their lifeblood.

A Bradford Council neighbourhood forum meeting in the village on March 8 now looks set to be dominated by the issue when Railtrack officials come face-to-face with residents.

And bus operators Metro have revealed no plans have yet been made to re-route buses which travel between Bradford and Dewsbury along Cleckheaton Road. Mr Sutcliffe said: "It's a Catch 22, we want the bridge repaired but it will have a damaging effect on local businesses.

"Railtrack says closure is unavoidable but it's got to look at supporting businesses through what will be a very lean time."

Some shops in Oakenshaw are considering closing during the work from April 8 to 25. Chris Clavin of Low Moor, Oakenshaw and Wyke Private Hire (LOW) taxis said he feared his drivers would move to other companies.

And Fina service station manager Diane Bennie said she expected to see revenue drop by thousands of pounds as drivers found different routes in and out of Bradford.

Councillor Tony Niland (Lab, Wyke) said: "I'm livid the road is being closed without any consideration for local businesses. Jobs and businesses are being put at risk and the area can ill afford it."

A Railtrack spokesman said: "We have no legal obligation to pay compensation under the Road Traffic Regulatory Act of 1984."

The village's neighbourhood forum will start at 7.30pm at the Low Moor and Oakenshaw Community Centre in Terry Road.

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