A pub manager has spoken out about the "horrific" impact roadworks are having on businesses in Worcestershire.
Lee-Anne Bayes, who was previously based in Kidderminster, said staff at Meadows Farm pub in Redditch have been subjected to "a lot of stick" and abuse due to roadworks along Dagnell End Lane.
The roadworks, which are due to remain in place until November, have left the business taking up to 30 phone calls a day due to the "unclear" diversion routes.
Ms Bayes, who runs the pub with Trudy Martin, said: "It's been very frustrating. We were contacted a while ago to say the road would possibly be shut, but we never imagined a 3.5 to 4 mile diversion route.
"It's not the fault of the workers, but the diversion route isn't clear. We've had a lot of stick and abuse from some customers. We've had up to 30 phone calls a day with people asking us where they should go. As a business, we haven't got the resources to keep dealing with this.
"My staff have also been struggling to get taxis to work as some are refusing to drop them off near the pub due to the roadworks. The ones that will are charging an extra £10 to £12 for drop-offs."
The roadworks started a couple of weeks ago with the pub saying they are taking half of the income they were before the roadworks started.
Ms Bayes said the pub isn't the only business affected.
Other businesses along the road include The Abbey Hotel, the fishing pools and a café.
Worcestershire County Council said the developer has now provided additional 'businesses open as usual signs'.
Ms Bayes said: "The county council said the signs are substantial and they've put additional signage, but I still don't think it is clear enough.
"We're taking half of what we were taking before the roadworks. It's tough enough as it is for the hospitality industry and this couldn't have come at a worse time in the middle of the summer holidays.
"I understand the work needs to be done, but you can hear the noise from the roadworks in the beer garden. I can't understand why they've chosen to do it now. One woman came into the pub really upset as she doesn't know Redditch well and ended up getting lost in the diversions."
Ms Bayes said the pub hosts a lot of wakes and weddings, so is advising customers to leave extra time if attending an event at the venue.
The roadworks are set to be in place until November 13.
The official diversion route is via Dagnell End Road, Icknield Street, Paper Mill Drive, Coventry Highway, Alvechurch Highway, Middlehouse Lane, Alvechurch Highway and Birmingham Road and vice versa.
The alternative diversion route is via Birmingham Road, Alvechurch Highway, Coventry Highway into Warwickshire, Alcester Road, Hopwood Park Interchange, Alcester Road, Hollywood Bypass into Birmingham, Birmingham Road, Alvechurch Bypass, Birmingham Road and vice versa.
Ms Bayes added: "The little things can make a big difference and businesses need all the support they can get right now. Our team shouldn't have to tolerate abuse.
"I just want people to know that all the businesses along Dagnell End Road like ours, the fishing pools and The Abbey Hotel are open as usual."
A spokesperson for Worcestershire County Council said: "To aid the local businesses and road users, the developer, Persimmon Homes has provided some additional ‘Businesses Open As Usual’ signs along Dagnell End Road.
"In addition to this, the road closure information showing on One Network reflects the whole of the road closure.
"This should aid sat-nav users as to which section is closed for planning any access to nearby businesses."
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