Traders facing more roadworks misery

Traders in a Black Country town who say takings dropped by half during council roadworks now fear a second blow from a new scheme beginning nearby.

Roadworks to strengthen a bridge in Wednesbury ended last week but South Staffs Water has now begun a new scheme to replace dated pipes, and the work is expected to last seven weeks.

Manjinder Sahota, owner of Park Hill News and Booze, said during the four months of works to strengthen the bridge over Park Hill he had lost around £2,000 a week.

"I've lost business for the past few months," he said.

"When people see roadworks, they start going elsewhere and then get used to going there."