HARLECH High Street is still open for business.

That’s the message traders are keen to spread following the closure of the road for essential work.

Cllr Gwynfor Owen told the Cambrian News that trade has been hit hard this week as Scottish Power work to repair an underground cable.

"One person, who wants to remain anonymous, said trade was up all summer but this week has been a disaster," Cllr Owen said.

"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 hasn’t started until 11am or 12pm.

"Gwynedd Council have said they can work until 8pm apparently but what’s the point if they don’t start until late.

"Scottish Power have put up signs telling people businesses are open as usual, but it’s still been a massive problem and business owners have been contacting me because they are worried about the effect on trade.

A Gwynedd Council spokesperson said: “Emergency work is being carried out by Scottish Power on the high street in Harlech. 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.”

A spokesperson for SP Energy Networks said: “We’re sorry for any disruption caused by the essential works to repair an underground cable fault in Harlech, which occurred late last week. 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. The works should be completed by close of play on Friday.”