Several commuters were left stranded this morning as irate residents blocked the Boston Main Road in Portland, to protest against the continued closure of the popular Jerk Centre.

The health department ordered the facility closed on September 6, after an inspection revealed less than desirable sanitary conveniences.

Since then, several meetings have been held to find a solution to allow for the re-opening.

However, stakeholders including jerk vendors are upset as they say the standards of the health inspectors are affecting their livelihood.

They took to the streets this morning to voice their frustration, using old appliances such as refrigerators, stones and other debris to block the Boston Main Road.

Police have since cleared the roadway to allow single lane traffic. 

One of the vendors, “Jay Jay” says he believes that the Jerk Centre is ready for opening.

He says if there is no suitable response from the authorities, vendors will continue to take action.

“Jay jay”, a vendor at the Boston Jerk Centre.

Meanwhile, Chief Public Health Inspector Lorenzo Humes, while speaking at the Portland Municipal Corporation meeting yesterday, said once the environmental needs are met the facility will be reopened.

He said training is to be provided for the vendors and a meeting regarding the matter is set for October 28.