A GARDEN centre has been losing trade due to customers and staff being confused by the “terrible” road signs in place.

Kiln Lane is closed from Colden Common to Otterbourne as Southern Water works to fix the ongoing sewage and flooding issues by Brambridge Garden Centre.

The garden centre is still open, with access from Otterbourne Hill, despite there only being road closure and diversion signs in place, with no indication that the venue is open for business.

READ MORE: Brambridge Southern Water works: Road closures and traffic management

Visual merchandiser for Brambridge Garden Centre, Kate Morgan, said: “We’re feeling really frustrated. For customers, it’s really confusing and I’ve had lots of phone calls on how to get here.

“As a matter of urgency, we need a sign at the end of Kiln Lane in Otterbourne to say that we are still open for business.

“I have had staff confused by the lack of clear signage not helped by the horrendous traffic all over the area this morning. Some have arrived more than an hour late for work and have driven from Otterbourne to Highbridge Road and back again unsure which end of the road they are able to drive down.

“I cannot print signage large enough myself to put up. We need this resolved by the end of today as it's having a detrimental effect on our trade.

“We want our customers to come in, but it shouldn’t have to be our responsibility to let people know that we’re open. Southern Water should be accountable for letting the public know.”

On Friday, February 3 Southern Water warned that traffic management would be in place from Monday, February 6, while Kiln Lane would be temporarily closed from Tuesday, February 7 into the next week.

The utility company has launched a website page for the Kiln Lane works to share updates with residents.

The website now reads: "Brambridge Park Garden Centre remains open for business. Access for customers and residents is via the diversion route that accesses Kiln Lane from Otterbourne Hill. (Follow the diversion signs).

"Access for deliveries only is via Kiln Lane, top of Highbridge Road, in liaison with the team working on site. The road will be open each night between 4.30pm and 8am."

SEE ALSO: Brambridge: Kiln Lane opens after 11 days of sewage and water works

Winchester City Councillor, Sue Cook, said: “I’m flabbergasted again that Southern Water and their contractor have allowed this disruption to happen. Even though we were told on Friday that was going to take place so it should have been sorted. The signage is terrible. I’m gobsmacked.

“I want people to know this is not how a multi-million pound business should operate. This can’t go on any longer. It needs sorting immediately. It’s wrong that the garden should have to spend their time making signs and I’m totally on their side.”

After a series of conversations, Cllr Cook has persuaded the traffic management company employed by Southern Water to install better signage. The signs have been made in Gillingham in Kent and should be in place by Thursday, February 9 morning.

Southern Water and Hampshire County Council have been contacted for comments.

For updates on the work to reduce wastewater flooding in Kiln Lane go to southernwater.co.uk/water-for-life/improvements-in-your-area/hampshire/kiln-lane-works.