Traders are considering claiming compensation because they say long-running roadworks in their town have reduced business by up to 50 per cent.

Work repairing ageing water mains in Cradley Heath is being done by South Staffs Water.

Work on the mains started on January 12 and a one-way system has been introduced along Reddal Hill Road and Upper High Street, and surrounding areas are shut to traffic. However, since it started parking bays outside shops have been coned off, leaving customers struggling to park.

Dave James, aged 52, of Cradley Heath Army Stores, Upper High Street, said business was “dire” and his takings 50 per cent down on the same period last year.

“I’m looking at placing a compensation claim. There’s just no parking, it’s the same with everybody, there’s no parking for the customers,” he said.

“I’m taking no money, but at least it will be over soon.”

The work is due to end at the beginning of April.

Warren Rudge, owner of Ivans fish and chip shop in Reddal Hill Road, said he estimated overall trade was down 30 per cent.

He said: “We just keep plodding on.

“We’re looking at putting a claim in. Trade varies on different days, but I think it’s 30 per cent down on average.

“We are normally quite a good shop so we are just waiting for this to pass.”

Pam Perrins from John Jones Footwear said the shop was also struggling.

“We are down every week,” she said.

“We haven’t had a week where we are better since the work started. We are having to go out to halls to do shoe parties to try and get some revenue.

“We are just about managing to cover our staff and suppliers. It’s been £1,000 some weeks, sometimes it’s even more. We are all absolutely fed up with it.”

Gemma Little, owner of Little Gems hair salon, added: “We are not getting on too badly, but I will be glad when the roads are back to normal.”

South Staffs Water declined to comment.