Business owners have warned that firms could close because of the disruption caused by roadworks at the Pwllypant roundabout.
Individuals representing around 300 businesses have sent an open letter to Caerphilly County Borough Council expressing their concerns over the “chaos” at the roundabout, which is also known as the Cedar Tree roundabout.
The council has said it is talking to traders to mitigate the impact of the £5 million scheme, and has advised businesses to apply for temporary rate relief.
Improvement works on the roundabout, where the A468, A469 and Pontygwindy Road meet, began on Monday, October 9, and have caused long delays for commuters after roads approaching the busy Caerphilly roundabout were reduced to one lane.
The work is expected to last 12 months.
In their letter, the businesses, which collectively employ around 5,000 people, said: “We have all been forced to make changes to the way we do business over the last week. It is now time for Caerphilly County Borough Council to make changes, too.
“A failure to do so will result in business closures, reduced inward investment and the denigration of yet another local valley town.
“You have all recognised previously that Caerphilly Borough is a socially- and economically-deprived area.
“We urge you to take all steps possible to prevent this deprivation escalating further.”
The letter, which has also been signed by the headteacher of St Martin’s Comprehensive School and the Principal of Coleg y Cymoedd, also states the message from the council to “stay away” from the area “serves to perpetuate the notion that Caerphilly is closed for business”.
The businesses warn: “Small firms and the people they employ cannot sustain such losses over the 52-week period of the works”.
A spokesman for Caerphilly County Borough Council said the authority was aware of the concerns of local businesses.
He said: “Engagement is already taking place to discuss possible options to mitigate the impact of the scheme.
“The long-awaited improvements will increase capacity at this key strategic location, as well as reducing congestion.
“We apologise for the inconvenience while the work is ongoing.”
On Wednesday, October 25, the council also announced it was advising business ratepayers in the surrounding area of Pwllypant to contact the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) and apply for temporary reductions in their rates for the duration of the works.
The VOA is responsible for determining the rateable value of all business premises and the council is encouraging all businesses in the surrounding area to submit an appeal against their rateable value by emailing ratingwales@voa.gsi.gov.uk or phoning 03000 505505.
A petition calling for Caerphilly County Borough Council to rethink roadworks at Pwyllypant roundabout in Caerphilly has attracted 7,600 signatures online.
Motorist Matt Leighfield, who started the petition at Change.org, said: “Judging by the ongoing comments on the Change.org petition, I can see there are still very strong feelings.
“Both Wayne David MP and Hefin David AM have promised to monitor the situation to make sure that there is an improvement. They have also promised to meet again with the council.
“It would be great to know when that follow-up meeting will take place.”