ACCESS has been finally restored to a historic West Devon town after weeks of road works — but many traders have been left counting the cost of closure. The main road in Chagford has been closed since early January because of essential gas works taking place at the junction of Lower Street and Grammars Lane. As a result, many traders in Chagford's town centre have reported a severe decrease in custom, resulting in a loss of income. Dawn Wakefield, from the Big Red Sofa coffee and book shop in Chagford said that during the time of the road closure, their figures were down between 40% and 45% compared with the same time last year. Ms Wakefield said: 'It's been absolute chaos and caused a huge amount of disruption. 'The fundamental problem was that people just weren't getting into Chagford. 'The town was dead and absolutely no one could get through. 'It's affected all the businesses, some who have only recently opened — we've been in dire straights. In terms of rural regeneration this has been a nightmare.' Susan Powell, who opened Susan at Number 10 six months ago, said the road closure and the lack of clear diversion signage made a huge dent in her business. She said: 'It has just been devastating because of the lack of clear signage. We are an upmarket boutique appealing to everyone around Chagford — who just couldn't get in. 'It made a huge dent to my business plan and my figures were down on what they should've been. Business is slow in the winter anyway but this made it worse, it's been a very bad start. 'Great thanks must go to the people who did persevere and still managed to find their way into Chagford.' At a meeting of the Chagford and District Business Association held earlier this month, each individual business decided to pursue compensation from Wales and West Utilities, the company which carried out the gas works. An initial application for compensation was turned down by West and Wales Utilities — and at this point, West Devon and Torridge MP Geoffrey Cox threw his weight behind the campaign for compensation. Mr Cox wrote to the company, stating to refuse compensation to businesses, particularly new ones, was 'grossly unfair'. The MP said he heard this week that Wales and West had now retracted their earlier refusal. Mr Cox said: 'There is now no obstruction to any business in Chagford claiming what is their due for compensation, so I would encourage any business who believes they have lost out due to the works to pursue a claim.' The gas works that enforced the road closure began on January 7 and ended on March 15. They formed part of a £100,000 project to replace around 400 metres of gas mains to ensure the security of gas supplies to people and businesses in the area. In a statement, the Wales and West Utilities company said: 'Consultations were held with the parish council, chamber of commerce and local businesses prior to carrying out the replacement project in Chagford to establish the least disruptive plan of action. 'All those directly affected, including traders, were contacted and made aware of arrangements for contacting us regarding any potential disruption caused by the scheme. 'A public exhibition was also held and information sheets were circulated in the vicinity. 'Compensation claims are being processed in accordance with the Gas (Compensation of Small Businesses) Regulations.' The main road has now re-opened allowing shoppers to drive directly into the centre — to the great relief of the Chagford traders. Dawn Wakefield from the Big Red Sofa, who has seen sales increase by 60% since the road re- opened, said: 'The difference has been unbelievable, Chagford is now heaving again. It's improved no end since the road closure signs have gone, it's been incredible really.'