BUSINESSES in Worcester say their livelihoods have been left in a "desperate" state after a city centre street was partly closed to vehicles.

Traders in the Cornmarket say they have experienced a "significant" drop in business since work started to pedestrianise Queen Street from the junction with Trinity Street in April.

Worcestershire County Council have erected bollards meaning cars can no longer drive in to the Cornmarket square from Queen Street.

"It may sound bizarre that closing one small street to traffic could have such an affect, but it really has had a very noticeable effect on trade," Anna Boldry, who has owned Acanthus clothes and fashion shop for 30 years, said.

"It's desperate. The businesses around here are suffering. We used to get so much business from people who would drive down Queen Street and be dropped off outside the shop. They don't come anymore. We get a bit of footfall from people walking from Asda but this is the worst I think I've known it in 30 years. I've not changed the way I do things."

Angela Jones, a shop assistant at Cornmarket Deli, said the closure of the street to traffic has "definitely made a difference".

"We have really noticed a drop in people coming here. A lot of people used to get dropped off outside and come straight in, they can't do that now."

Andrew Warman, who owns Warman's Sweet Shop on Mealcheapen Street, said he complained to the council seven weeks ago.

"We thought the closure to traffic would be temporary, but it isn't. The change in loading times means I can't get deliveries now in the Cornmarket. The closure of Queen Street has had a very detrimental affect on trade. It's not just us — people aren't dropping off as many donations to the charity shops as they used to because they can't drive in to the Cornmarket. It used to be a thriving area."

A spokesperson for Worcestershire County Council said: "This is one of the busiest parts of the city for pedestrians and it is important that they have priority. We are confident that once work is complete businesses and shoppers alike will reap the benefits. The work has been funded by the Department for Transport, Worcestershire County Council and developer contributions and is part of the Worcester Transport Strategy. Other work carried out has included the refurbishment of Foregate Street Station. The improvements are due for completion during October."