TRADERS have been accused of hypocrisy by a highways chief who says they are complaining about road repairs they demanded.

Wyre Forest Highways Partnership manager Stuart Reynolds said rebuilding in Kidderminster's Horsefair was being carried out at the request of businesses.

The Horsefair, which was also closed last December, has been shut since Monday and repairs are expected to last until the end of next week.

Mr Reynolds said: "We cannot win. All the work is a direct result of the traders' complaints."

Terry Thomas, owner of Mr Tee Hee Fancy Dress Shop, acknowledged the work was essential but said: "Recent history indicates the builders will probably take a lot longer or they will go away and come back to finish something else.

"As a specialist shop I will be hit hard at the weekend when people visit from outside the area."

Grundy's newsagents owner Terry Grundy added roadworks in the Horsefair had become a "running joke", and shops "might as well be shut" as the site had once again become a "training ground for workmen".