Worcester News, Worcester Sport, Worcester Leisure - From The Worcester News

Severn Trent work is hitting us hard, say shopkeepers

From the Worcester News, first published Tuesday 26th Sep 2006.

BUSINESSES in Worcester's London Road say they are losing trade because of the continuing waterworks.

The road is one of the main routes into Worcester city centre, but several firms have told how potential customers are not stopping at their shops because they are finding it difficult to park and are frustrated at the long queues.

Severn Trent has been replacing old metal pipes with plastic ones beneath the road for the past couple of months and is expected to stay there until November.

While the companies affected acknowledge that the work has to be done, they are still unhappy about the situation.

Michelle Ireson is one of the owners of Ben James carpets, which has stores in London Road, Upton-upon-Severn, and Pershore.

She said: "The Worcester manager has been calling me every week to say the shop is really quiet.

"He is concerned and is convinced that it is no coincidence that this has come at a time when Severn Trent are doing these works.

"There are traffic lights everywhere and people are diverting. It is very difficult to get down the streets to park, and they just aren't bothering. We know the work has to be done, but we need to let people know we are still there and need their support.

"We know it is difficult to park, and there is a lot of traffic, but please don't by-pass us," she said.

The Seacrest Fish Bar has also reported similar problems. Wai Tsang, the owner, said a lack of passing trade had hit them hard.

He said: "The roadworks are putting people off coming to us.

"People driving by would often stop, but that is very rarely the case anymore because of the difficulties that poses. We had the same problem earlier in the year when there were other works going on."

Dave Benbow, of Dave Benbow Hairdressers, said: "People are not coming down here, because the traffic is crazy. It is difficult to say how much the work has affected us, though, as August and the beginning of September are traditionally quiet times anyway."

A spokeswoman for Severn Trent said: "We have good news in that the work on London Road is ahead of schedule. It was due to go on until January, but will now be finished in November. We want to thank everyone for their patience."

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