A FULL weekend closure of Upton Bridge has been put back for a week due to concerns over a “disastrous” clash with one of the town’s biggest festive events.

Peter Webb, chairman of Upton Tourism and Trade Association, was furious that the bridge would be closed from 9pm on Friday, November 25, to 6am on Monday, November 28 – a Victorian Fair is due to take place on Saturday, November 26.

After he contacted Worcestershire County Council with his concerns it was announced the closure would be put back until the weekend of December 3 and 4.

Mr Webb said: “It could have been disastrous.

“The main problem is that we have been planning the Victorian Fair for well over nine months and nobody from highways said about closing the bridge entirely.

“Last year was the first time we held it and Upton was busier at 4pm on the Saturday than it has ever been.

"All the shopkeepers say it is their most important weekend of the year. It really is when people start their Christmas shopping.”

The weekend closure is part of an ongoing project to refurbish and strengthen the bridge.

The council said full closure is required for the final resurfacing of the carriageway. The target date for completion is Friday, December 16.