THE landlords of two pubs say they are losing out on passing trade because of roadworks.

The owners of the Reindeer Inn and Fruit-erer’s Arms say the Severn Trent Water roadworks, on the A449 Worcester-Kidderminster road, are blocking access to their pubs and there are no diversion signs.

The works mean motorists travelling from Kidderminster to Worcester cannot cross the road to reach the Reindeer Inn on the other side of the dual carriageway, or the road which leads to the Fruiterer’s Arms in Uphampton.

Doreen May, who runs the Fruiterer’s Arms, contacted your Worcester News after we reported a similar problem in Bransford.

Mrs May said she has asked on numerous occasions for signs saying “businesses open” and diversions, but has yet to see them actually used.

“There’s no signs saying how to get here,” said Mrs May, “I spoke to them last year about having signs, but there aren’t any.”

For Nicola Pasby and Leigh Land, the new owners of the Reindeer Inn, the roadworks could not have come at a worse time.

Although they all understand the road needs to be closed during the week, they would like to see the gap opened during the weekends when work is not being done.

Mr Land said: “They’ve affected us massively. The first weekend we were open, business was really good, but we’ve struggled while the works closed the road.

“I have argued with the workmen, and they said they’d put diversion signs up, but they haven’t. The problem is there are five or six other pubs in the area which it is now easier to get to.”

Mr Land also said he was worried about there being no speed restrictions in place while the works are ongoing – a worry that Mrs May shares.

She said: “Cars are still coming down the road at 60 or 70mph through the roadworks and it’s very dangerous.”

A spokesman for Severn Trent Water said: “We are replacing a water main on the A449 in Ombersley, Worcestershire, as part of a long-term water mains renewal scheme in the area. In order to complete these works as safely and efficiently as possible, it has been necessary to close one lane of the dual carriageway.

“During these works, which started on Monday, January 18, and are scheduled to last for two weeks, all businesses remain open and accessible.

“In December, prior to these works starting, the local traders were contacted and informed of the works. If these traders believe the works have adversely affected their business we would urge them to look into our loss of profit scheme, details of which can be found on our website stwater.co.uk”