Customers stuck in traffic say firms

Angry Kidderminster traders who say business is suffering due to roadworks today claimed more chaos was being caused as their delivery point is now blocked.

Traders along New Road claim customers are getting stuck in jams for up to 20 minutes due to works on the road.

A four-way traffic light system is being blamed for causing congestion. There are also concerns over a lack of parking.

Shopkeepers in Oxford Street today said they have an extra problem as signs put up recently means the entrance to a service road is often blocked meaning it can take 10 minutes for them to offload.

The road also leads to small car parks at the back of the shops.

Jim Mason, the owner of Lawrence Pine furniture store said: "It is organised chaos. We have problems now as it is difficult to get in the back."

A worker at Oxford Cafe said: "We can't get in or out of our car park at the back. Instead we are parking at the front and the wardens are waiting to pounce. The cars along New Road are blocking our entrance."

Phil McLean, of Inchbusters toning centre, said: "The sign for the traffic lights is in front of the entrance to the car park at the back. None of my customers can get in."

Eric Davies, who runs fishmongers Eric the Fish, 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 some haddock and it took 20 minutes sitting in traffic you just would not bother.

Paul Whittaker, spokesman for Worcestershire County Council said: "The works in New Road are part of the Morrison's supermarket development and are being carried out by the company's own contractors.

"We are happy that everything is in order regarding safety."

By Rebecca Jones