BEWDLEY town centre is still open for business, say traders, with weeks of roadworks under way.

Improvements are being made to footpaths and kerbs in the town but Phil Brook, of the Deli@ Bewdley, in Load Street, said he had noticed a drop in trade since the work started on Monday, last week.

Council bosses claimed everything was being done to minimise disruption, however.

Mr Brook said: “It’s affecting people coming into the town. We just want people to know that Bewdley is still open.”

The work, which was delayed for a week due to the snow, is being carried out as part of the Worcestershire Local Transport Plan and includes repairs to the town bridge involving replacement of parapet.

It is expected to be completed by March 28.

Jon Fraser, the county council’s highways manager, said: “We are doing everything we can to minimise disruption to residents and businesses in the area.

“As with any highways work, while delays are likely when works are taking place, residents, businesses and visitors will benefit from real improvements once the enhancements are completed.

“The improvements are taking place during the day as the type of work involves using equipment that creates noise levels that just wouldn’t be acceptable if work was carried out during the night.