IT’S business as usual in Harlech, now that the High Street has reopened but Cllr Gwynfor Owen told the Cambrian News trade had been hit hard as Scottish Power worked for more than a week to repair an underground cable.

“I appreciate work needs to be done, but it should be done as quickly as possible and I’ve been told that some days work didn’t start until 11am or 12pm,” Cllr Owen said.

“Gwynedd Council said they could work until 8pm but what’s the point if they don’t start until late.

“As well as the economic implications, this closure could have caused a seven-mile detour for some larger traffic. Imagine if it was a fire engine that couldn’t get through.”

Scottish Power put signs up telling people businesses were open as usual, but traders said they made no difference.

A Gwynedd Council spokesperson said last week: “Unfortunately due to the nature of the work it has been necessary to temporarily close the road to vehicles.

“In order to help complete the work as soon as possible and minimise further disruption for local businesses and residents, the council’s street works team have instructed the company to extend their working hours.”

Traders hoped the road would reopen last Friday but it remained closed until Monday.

A spokesperson for SP Energy Networks apologised, saying that “due to the complex nature of the works caused by the cable’s location and the narrow roadway, we’ve only been able to progress certain aspects of the works once we’ve had the necessary legal agreements in place from authorities such as Gwynedd Highways and the parish Bishop.

“We’re grateful to everyone involved for their swift responses and cooperation so we could progress the works as quickly as possible and fully restore power supplies to the local community.”

Cathy Seal (pictured with Councillor Gwynfor Owen) of Two Black Sheep said: “I appreciate that this vital work had to be carried out, but it’s very disappointing it took so long. The tourist season is short and businesses can’t afford to lose so much income due to circumstances out of their control.”

The Cambrian News understands that no work was carried out over the weekend. It was resumed, and completed, on Monday.

“I’m very pleased that the work was completed on Monday, but also very annoyed that no work took place over the weekend. The High Street could have been opened two days earlier,” Cllr Owen added.