Trade hit by roadworks

Angry Kidderminster traders say business is suffering because roadworks are causing serious traffic tailbacks.

They claim customers are getting stuck in jams for up to 20 minutes due to work being carried out in New Road. A four-way traffic light system is being blamed for causing congestion. There are also concerns over a lack of parking.

Shopkeepers in the area say spaces are sealed off in the nearby Aldi car park as part of an improvement plan and this is affecting trade.

Eric Davies, who runs fishmongers Eric the Fish, today said many people were complaining it was taking an age to travel a few yards from Comberton Hill to his shop.

He said: "If you wanted to get some haddock for your tea and it took 20 minutes sitting in traffic you just would not bother. You would get a takeaway or go to the supermarket instead. We have been much quieter since the roadworks started two weeks ago.

"One customer from Chaddesley Corbett took 20 minutes to get from Comberton Hill down Green Street then Dixon Street."

Work is going on to realign New Road and raise the surface by around two inches to make the area safer.

Michael Rawlings who runs To Have and To Hold wedding boutique said: "It has been quieter since the roadworks.

"There is also nowhere for people to park which is not helping at all."

Another trader Pauline Burkett who works at the florists said it was quiet but added: "People are cutting back on spending as well."

Councillor Howard Martin said: "This is very worrying. The traders are being hit hard."

Worcestershire County Council spokesman Paul Whittaker said: "The works in both New Road and Green Street are part of the Morrisons supermarket development."

Morrisons said they were unable to comment without further investigation.