business leaders are warning of up to 100 job losses if roadworks planned for a busy Hampshire highway go ahead.

The A334 between Shedfield and Botley is being closed for four months of improvement work beginning in April.

But businesses along the route that depend on tourism over the summer months are warning their trade could be killed off.

So worried are the businesses that an action group has been formed to plead with Hampshire County Council to revise their plans.

Co-ordinator Angela Channon, owner of Wickham Vineyard whose restaurant and vineyard are on the A334, said: "It's not that we don't appreciate that the work has to be done. We know it does and we welcome that. But it is the way it is being done. At a meeting earlier this month we were told the whole three miles of the road would be closed with diversions put in place.

"That would be absolutely devastating to us and the other business along here that rely on passing trade and tourism. People will see a big road closed sign and decide it's not worth the hassle of trying to get to us."

The action group is to meet with the project engineers this week.