BUSINESSES in and around Gunnislake say they need a shot in the arm after a nine-day closure of a main artery road from Cornwall to Devon caused takings to drop dramatically. After a disastrous week for shops, tourist attractions, pubs and other businesses, traders in the area are keen to get the message across that they are alive and kicking. South West Water was carrying out a £500,000 scheme to renovate 143 metres of water main along the A390, forcing Cornwall County Council to take the unusual step of closing a main road. The schedule of work was agreed to take place during half-term to minimise the effect on children using school buses. The road reopened on Monday. Gunnislake firms within the closure area said trade was ?diabolical? last week. Bob Hughes from the Tavistock Arms Hotel said his takings were down by threequarters: ?We were severely affected particularly on Wednesday because there was some serious work going on outside. We might as well have been shut, in fact it would have been cheaper. ?This is a serious blow for a small community and I think the effects will be ongoing. Not only are there other roadworks going on deterring people from coming to Gunnislake but visitors may well have found other places to go.? But Mr Hughes was complimentary about the staff from South West Water and contractor May Gurney who ?did a good job and were very helpful.? Garage owner Chris Venning said he decided to shut up shop and go to France for the week because it was ?pointless? to open. Drivers travelling between Callington and Tavistock faced a lengthy diversion via Launceston. Tamar Valley Donkey Park at St Ann?s Chapel said it was three days after the work started that ?business as usual? signs were put up: ?No-one was clear just what businesses were open and where the work started from, especially with the diversion signs at Callington,? said partner in the firm David Gibbons. ?Within two miles of the donkey park drivers were being sent on a 22-mile detour so consequently many either did not bother or just got lost. ?It has been a disastrous half-term for the donkey park. Our takings were down by over 50% which equates to about £2,500. ?We have asked South West Water for compensation but we also want to make sure that this sort of thing never happens again without the proper signage.? Director of Tavistock Woodlands Sawmill Caroline Bedford said she was ?incensed? about the signs: ?They diverted traffic away from us, as far back as Sourton, she said. ?It nearly killed our business.? Communications officer for South West Water Louise Bennett said the work went well and hence a second road closure at Easter was not necessary: ?If any businesses in the area feel they have reason for compensation they should contact us through their insurance company and we will investigate each claim on its individual merits.? Area surveyor for Cornwall County Council Brian Craven said once people were on the A390 there were several signs warning them of the particular road that was closed in Gunnislake: ?There were a lot of signs out. It is just unfortunate that the detour via Launceston was a long one because there was no other suitable route. ?The Tamar crossing at Horsebridge is totally unsuitable for the amount of traffic that uses the A390.