Roadworks back again

More misery is looming for motorists and traders in a busy Kidderminster street when workmen return to the area for the third time in just 15 months.

In its latest move, Severn Trent Water plans to close the bus lane at the bottom of Comberton Hill for pipes work.

It is expected to take two weeks and the water company is currently waiting for the go-ahead from Worcestershire County Council to close the lane.

The news has sparked more criticism from traders who have already seen their sales suffer while Comberton Hill was closed one-way to traffic in July and August.

Louise Draper, sales assistant at The Party Boutique, said: "It's ridiculous. Even when Comberton Hill went back to normal people just assumed it was shut. It's a waste of time being here."

Bill Campbell, licensee of the Railway Bell, said: "It's been horrendous. Comberton Hill is dying on its feet."

Contractors first began digging up the road last June and were still there by December, leaving Severn Valley Railway bosses fuming because of nuisance and delays outside the main station at Kidderminister

They returned in July to carry on the job – causing more than four weeks of fresh disruption. Their next visit will be the final piece of the jigsaw in Comberton Hill and the latest part of a £1 million project to replace and improve water pipes.

A spokeswoman for Severn Trent said: "The job will hopefully be completed this side of Christmas."