OWNERS of small businesses hit by major sewer works in Leigh will on Friday meet contractors to discuss their plight.

United Utilities have agreed to attend a face-to-face discussion with traders in Wigan Road and Leigh Road, who fear that the closure of Nel Pan Lane on Saturday will hit takings further.

Leigh MP Andy Burnham and council leader Lord Peter Smith have agreed to be there.

The road works on the main route between Leigh and Wigan started on April 12 and are expected to take between six and eight weeks.

The work to replace the sewer, said to be prone to blocking, has caused chaos creating long diversions and tailbacks.

Many businesses in the area claim their takings have been hammered, one shop laying off staff and others facing closure.

Hindley Green Labour Club and pubs have also reported lost business to spokesman Glenn Hitchen.

He said: "Enough is enough. I have spoken to 15 of the 20 plus businesses and I didn't realise what a serious effect it was having on all of them.

"One trader told me it's like The Twilight Zone round here.

"When Nel Pan Lane shuts the shops at the Tamar will be isolated. All the business people I've spoken to have said they'll be at the meeting to air their views."