Roadworks on Victoria Street has drawn the ire of area business owners furious it has cut back their business during the Christmas shopping period.Kathy Lipp, who has owned and operated Better Health for the last three years, said business took a major drop on Saturday when work on the road began.Since then, she said sales have slowed by around 50 percent, and the customers that have arrived have complained.“It was very slow on Saturday. Everybody who did come here complained they couldn’t find parking,” she said.“They are doing the roadworks right before Christmas and it’s really hurting our business.“I called the [City of Hamilton] and asked them why are they doing this Christmas time? This is when people are out shopping. Why couldn’t they do this in January or February when it’s slow?“Here they are saying ‘Buy Bermuda’ and now people can’t park anywhere here.”Les Ruddock, manager at the nearby Victoria Grill, said that business had also experienced a slight drop, particularly during the lunch service.“We’re getting a bit less traffic, and we’ve had a few cancellations,” he said.“Java Jive has seats outside on the patio but nobody is using them because of the dust and noise.”Staff at the nearby Shopping Centre supermarket said that their business has remained relatively unaffected, with customers taking advantage of the store’s rear entrance.The City of Hamilton yesterday apologised for the issues, saying the roadworks are expected to be completed today.City secretary Edward Benevides said: “The road paving is necessary to repair and enhance the road surface.“I am pleased to report that the work will be completed [today] and the road will reopen to two lanes of traffic by midday. This will ensure a smooth traffic flow for late night shopping.”He also advised the public to use caution at the corner of Cedar Avenue and Victoria Street while work continues on the sidewalks in preparation for the instillation of new traffic lights.