Jo and Dave Whitehurst normally prepare 30 to 50 meals at their village pub on a Saturday.

But at the Cock Inn, Boughton Monchelsea, last Saturday, just one meal was served, which the couple say is a result of a “devastating” drop in trade due to road closures and a confusing array of signs.

Three members of staff have lost their jobs as a result.

Heath Road, between Linton crossroads and Loddington Lane, has been closed while South East Water works on a £420,000 scheme to fit a new water main.

Now, after being contacted by the KM Group, the company has put up new signs letting people know that businesses along the road are still open.

But traders in Heath Road and Plough Wents Road say the impact has already been “devastating” and are waiting to see whether the new signs improve business.

Mrs Whitehurst, who with her husband has been licensee of the the Cock Inn for seven years, said: “Last Saturday we made one omelette.

“I have now had to lay off three members of staff we took on for the summer, as the drop in trade is so devastating.

“We had only just reopened after a major refurbishment. Had we known about this, we would have shut during August instead.”

She said she was delighted to hear new signs would be put up, adding: “This just shows the power of the press and the KM. We will wait and see what the results will be.”

Mrs Whitehurst and other business owners say they were not told of the work by South East Water, which expects it to last until early September.

The official diversion route from Linton crossroads is back towards Loose, then the Sutton Road, and back to Plough Wents Road.

Will Burton, owner of Maidstone Arts and Crafts within the Pleasant View garden centre complex, Plough Wents Road, said: “Our trade is down about 80 per cent, as there is just no passing custom.

“We only found out as someone saw it in the KM. I will definitely be asking about compensation.”

Suzan Kember, who co-owns the Cosy Corner Cafe, also within the Pleasant View complex, said her takings were only a third of normal.

A South East Water spokesman said: “Businesses have not been directly informed but in informing people we have followed our clear legal obligations under the New Roads and Street Works Act.

“We informed the media and wrote to a number of stakeholders, including county, borough and parish councils.

“We have a legal duty to carry out these essential works and we do understand the concerns of these businesses.”

But because the company was soon putting up extra signs, businesses would not be reimbursed, he added.