M&J’s Butchery owner Michael Borg told the Central Western Daily he found the ongoing delays frustrating, with his takings down by around $4000 to $5000 each week since work begin three weeks ago.

“It’s money we won’t get back,” he said.

“People just won’t come this way especially the way it is now, no-one wants to drive on dirt.”

Mr Borg had noticed that his usually busy times before and after school were noticeable quieter and the work load had decreased significantly for the butchery's ’five staff.

“You can’t help wet weather but retail is hard enough as it is in Orange,” he said.

With road reshaping all but complete resealing was expected to be finished by the end of the week, Orange City Council director of technical services Chris Devitt said.

“If we have a couple of wet days it delays other contractors,” he said.

Other road work in town has also been delayed by ongoing rain including work in the lower end of Byng Street which was sealed on Monday, Mr Devitt said.

Road crews will begin work to reseal a section of Prince Street between Lords Place and Anson Street when the Moulder Street work is finalised later this week.

Mr Devitt said Orange City Council was competing with other councils to undertake road work using the same groups of contractors.

“The reality is with the weather being what it is we have to line up the contractors days in advance,” he said.

“This time of year everyone is doing some kind of work all over the state.”

clare.colley@ruralpress .com