Rail bosses' works fury

Severn Valley Railway bosses have been left steaming because of nuisance and delays caused by roadworks outside the main station at Kidderminster during its busiest time of year.

Traders are also fuming over disruption caused by the £1 million Severn Trent Water project to lay 6,000 metres of new water mains around Kidderminster.

Severn Trent says the work is vital to reduce leaks and improve water supplies in the Wyre Forest.

The scheme, started in June and scheduled to finish next month, is now being suspended until after Christmas.

But railway bosses and traders are seeking compensation for loss of trade caused by the work.They say it should hav ebeen suspended weeks ago as more than 30,000 people had already pre-booked places on the Santa Steam Specials.

Pipe-laying work along Comberton Hill has involved the use of temporary traffic lights which shopkeepers claim has hindered trade and caused serious delays for motorists travelling to the railway.

Severn Valley Railway John Leach marketing manager said: "They are just not responding to our inquiries. We have asked to know their plans but they have just not responded. Traders have been very concerned and we will be pressing for compensation."

Spokesman for Severn Trent Water said: "Severn Trent Water are obliged to offer compensation to any companies and businesses who can display to us a loss of profits due to the work.

"Anyone who can demonstrate this, we promise to make right any losses they have incurred. They need to provide three years of accounts so that we can assess this to offer compensation."

By Sue Smith