Traders in a Mid Sussex town claim they still face financial ruin despite efforts to speed up high street roadworks.

Shopkeepers say the company responsible for the improvements is not offering enough compensation for their losses.

Transco announced that it expects to finish laying a gas main in Hurtspierpoint High Street two weeks ahead of schedule.

Closure of the road between South Avenue and Cuckfield Road was forecast to last six to eight weeks but the work could finish sooner after its men began working 12 hours a day, six days a week.

However, businesses said they were still struggling and that Transco was offering an unrealistic compensation package.

Peter Hampson, chairman of Hurstpierpoint Traders's Association, said: "We need help from local residents to keep business going.

"I'm extremely pleased with the way the job has been done but although the High Street is due to open, work on Cuckfield Road is also due to start next week.

"We know for certain that business has dropped dramatically. People could go out of business because of this.

"The problem is that the diversion goes past Tesco, so faced with that and going to the butcher's on the other side of town, people unsurprisingly opt for the supermarket."

Ann Winney, owner of Columbines beauty shop, said: "Problems have been caused by clients being late for appointments because of the works.

"It has caused particular problems for people who rely on passing trade."

Daniel D'arcia, of Daniel's Restaurant in High Street, said: "It's not helping the village. Everybody is struggling in some way or another.

"I think we will have to put a compensation claim in but until we have done the paperwork we can not say how much."

Mr Hampson said compensation for lost revenue would not cover the losses.

He said: "You cannot claim if you lose less than two and a half percent of your annual turnover.

"But for us that is £10,000, so we could still lose £9,000 which is a very damaging sum of money.

"I don't know how flexible Transco will be with that sum but it looks like it will be very difficult to claim."

A spokesman for Transco said compensation claims depended on the individual's circumstances.