A BID to win compensation for businesses such as those on Wellington’s Foxmoor Business Park which are affected by roadworks has been defeated in Parliament.

Local MP Gideon Amos spoke on the issue during a debate on rural businesses after a Liberal Democrat amendment to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill had earlier been voted down

Mr Amos highlighted how Foxmoor businesses were affected by a three-month closure of junction 26 of the M5 motorway which started last week.

He said the amendment would have seen such businesses receive compensation for losing trade during the closure.

Mr Amos, said rural businesses were ‘the lifeblood of our countryside’ and the ‘backbone of our communities’.

He said: “All they ask for is fairness and for a level playing field for infrastructure, support, and services.”

Mr Amos said public transport was essential also for connecting the parts of the UK economy to make a stronger whole.

Banking and postal access were also vital for rural businesses to thrive.

Mr Amos said: “Although I welcome the introduction of the banking hub model in Wellington, it is somewhat bizarre for residents to see in a town that has no Post Office, a building with the Post Office logo above the door and window that is not a Post Office and does not provide Post Office services.

“That craziness is straight out of ‘Yes, Minister’ and needs to change urgently.”