The start of the main stage of road improvement work on Oxford's Green Road roundabout yesterday caused more headaches for businesses, residents and commuters across the city.

Following preparatory work last week, the inner lane of the three-lane roundabout was coned off as engineers began the second stage of roadworks.

The aim is to create a road through the centre of the roundabout so that traffic can continue westbound along the A40.

Ironically, creating the so-called 'hamburger' has led to a major slump in trade at the fast food giant McDonald's situated at the junction of London Road and the roundabout.

McDonald's manager Sam Muthu said sales had fallen by 30 per cent since the start of work.

He said: "If people are coming to Oxford from Bicester, for example, they would normally stop for a bite to eat here, but now, because they are being delayed so much, they don't have time.

"It is very serious for us and we are trying to do as many promotional offers as possible to try to attract more customers. We are really having to pull out all the stops to stay afloat and are just keeping our fingers crossed for the next month or so, but hopefully we will survive."

Other businesses in the area are also concerned for their futures having already noticed a significant slump in trade just nine days into the 42 weeks of disruption.

The Roundway pharmacy, situated in Green Road, is trying to find its feet.

Owner Selma Harb said: "It is obvious that the roadworks are having a huge impact in the number of people coming in here. Fewer people are using the pharmacy because they cannot get here or do not want to drive here because of the delays. It's a nightmare."

Commuters have suffered long tailbacks getting into, out of and around the city, and traffic has been coming to a standstill during morning and evening rush-hours.

On Monday, the Oxford Mail reported that up to 50 funerals at Oxford Crematorium in Barton had been delayed by up to an hour because mourners had been caught in traffic jams.

Residents in villages around Oxford say they are suffering as a result of rat-runners' who are avoiding the roadworks.

Wheatley, Garsington and Horspath have seen a significant increase in the number of cars using the villages.