A post office boss says parking problems caused by gas works along a busy road are hampering trade.

Much of Newtown Road in Carlisle is currently being dug up to fit new gas pipes.

Northern Gas Networks is replacing metal gas mains with more durable plastic pipes. Work has been going on in various parts of Carlisle since last month.

It began in Newtown Road on August 7. Work on the west end of the road, around Coledale Meadows and Raffles Avenue, is scheduled to run until September 4. So is work on the east end, from Ashley Street to the Spar shop.

Work on the central stretch between Wood Street and Bower Street is due to end on August 25.

Shops and businesses in the area remain open as usual. But Newtown Road Post Office has been affected by the roadworks. Parking outside has been impossible for the past two weeks.

"The digging is affecting business," says owner Syed Kashif Iftikhar.

"There's been a little dip because people can't park. When they see all the yellow barriers they think they can't come in."

Syed and his wife Sameera Rasool took over the business last October. They replaced Irene and Rob Rae who retired after 43 years.

A new Post Office counter has been installed, along with extra shelves allowing space for new lines.

"Everything is going great," says Syed. "Everyone is supporting us. I want to extend the shop at the back but there's no timescale for that at the moment."

As for the roadworks, Northern Gas Networks' construction services area manager Matty McBride said: “We have been working closely with the local council to carefully plan these works and are doing all we can to minimise disruption. We would like to apologise for any inconvenience this essential work may cause and thank the public for their patience.”