One of the oldest amusement arcades in the Midlands is to be given a £1 million makeover to help boost trade that has suffered during Stourport Bridge roadworks.

Shipleys in Bridge Street – in the town for 45 years – wants to extend the building to accommodate children’s parties and provide modern facilities.

The business has been affected by the six-month-long roadworks on Stourport Bridge and bosses have slashed its opening hours. This has meant some staff have had a reduction in their hours.

The firm has applied to Wyre Forest District Council to build a new cafe and food preparation area to provide facilities for children’s parties and functions.

Plans include a new children’s play area with rides and slides and a new toilet block to provide modern facilities for visitors. There could also be a new skip storage area and workshop.

If approved, building work would start in the new year and could take up to three years to complete. It is also aimed at enhancing the area along the banks of the River Severn.

The bridge is under going essential repair work to strengthen and protect it for future generations. The bridge work is set to end in March.

Company director Jim Shipley said: “We wanted to upgrade our facilities and provide facilities for a children’s play area. This means we would have to make quite a lot of building alterations.

“We are very excited by the development which would really enhance the riverside area.

“We have been affected by the bridge works and have had to reduce some hours even more this year for the first time.

“But we’re very hopeful for the future and the extension work will make us a 21st century operation offering even more entertainment for our customers.”

By Sol Buckner