Motorists are bracing themselves for weeks of misery with the final stage of a multi-million pound roadworks scheme set to get under way on a busy Staffordshire route.

And businesses on the A449 Wolverhampton Road fear a big loss of passing trade when the next phase of the gas main replacement work begins.

The final stage of the multi-million roadworks scheme begins next Wednesday and will see the section from the Rickerscote Road junction, in Stafford, to the town railway bridge made one way.

Traffic will be able to travel out of town, but traffic heading north will be diverted along Rickerscote Road, Silkmore Lane and the A34 Lichfield Road.

Letters explaining the works have been sent out to businesses and residents in the area.