TRADERS in Bromsgrove fear their businesses could be forced to close, claiming that roadworks outside their premises are driving customers away.

Paul Gill and Tim Court, joint owners of P and T Models, in Worcester Road, have launched a petition calling on Bromsgrove District Council to compensate traders who are feeling the pinch.

They say that since the start of the £270,000 scheme to revamp the historic area of the town - which might be named Bromsgrove Village after the project is completed - their trade has slumped by at least 50 per cent.

Mr Court says that, with another two months of roadworks on the cards, he fears it could mean the end of their business, which is just six months old.

"We're already tightening our belts and it could be touch-and-go if we last the coming weeks," he said.

"Other traders are in the same boat and are supporting the petition and sending letters to the council."

Lynne Lolley, the proprietor of Bromsgrove Trophies, is considering moving her business out of the town, where it has been established for 20 years.

"We rely on passing trade and customers being able to park outside to drop things off," she said.

"The workmen are widening the footpaths, so after the work's finished it will be a squeeze for delivery vehicles to stop off. The road will become gridlocked."

Anita Mears , Bromsgrove Marketing Partnership chairman who also runs a shop in Worcester Road, said: "Unfortunately many of the shop owners weren't here when the initial discussions about the scheme were held.

"Although there's been some obvious and expected disruption, the contractors have been making every effort to minimise inconvenience to trade.

"We all look forward to the end result, which will benefit all."

John Moody, the council's head of performance services, said: "It's short-term disruption for long term again. We'll consider these issues in the usual way."