A SHOP described as a village lifeline hopes business will be better when bollards obstructing the building are removed.

Midland News Store at Wychbold, near Droitwich, has lost customers since the set of bollards were installed outside the shop in August, last year.

Erected by Worcestershire County Council, they were intended to stop cars pulling on to the pavement near to a crossing but they have deterred customers from going into the shop and caused traffic chaos.

Profits at the store havedropped by 30 per cent and Mendo Kumari, who runs the business, said: "If it was of any benefit to people I could understand but they have made it so dangerous. The whole area is congested, drivers do not know if they are going straight or turning left. It is terrible.

"Whoever came up with the idea did not spare a thought for me and this store."

Mrs Kumari said most customers have mentioned the problem caused by the bollards and she is now hoping things will change when they are removed.

Wychavon district councillor Judy Pearce championed Mrs Kumari's cause and recently met representatives of the county council's highways department and members of Dodderhill Parish Council.

The authorities have now been persuaded to remove the bollards for a trial period.

Coun Pearce said: "I am delighted that the Highways officers have seen sense and decided to remove something which we told them we didn't want in the first place.

"The bollards served no purpose except to destroy the business of the store which really is a village lifeline, especially to those who don't really have their own transport.

"We must pull out all the stops to save small businesses like this and I thank all the parish councillors who gave their time to help score this victory."