A Worcester pub landlord whose trade has been hit by work on a riverside path has welcomed the news that it is due to finish next week – after taking more than three months.

Custom has been badly hit at the Wheatsheaf in Henwick Road since the path was closed at Easter as part of the riverside regeneration project.

It is finally due to reopen with a new surface and clearer views across the river on Monday following 12 weeks of work “I’m pleased this has been done but it has had a real impact on our trade because it has taken so long,” said Wheatsheaf owner and landlord Guy Beech, whose pub is reached up a flight of steps from the path.

“We get family groups and people walking dogs coming along there and it averages out at about 10 or so a day, probably as many as 50 a day over the weekend. That makes a big difference in these days when pubs are struggling to survive.”

He said they also sold ice cream and had missed out on this income during the warm weather.

“It’s difficult for us here anyway,” he said. “With the river behind us, we only get people approaching from the front, unlike other pubs. I am sure the path will be much improved but it has been very frustrating and difficult for us to absorb the loss in trade.”

The Henwick Parade path alongside the Severn runs from the end of the flood defence bund along Hylton Road to the site of the former Dog and Duck ferry, where there will be an anti-skid ramp and steps to Henwick Road.

The city paid for the work to be carried out by the county council as part of its £250,000 investment in restoring pathways.

Jon Fraser, Worcestershire County Council’s highways manager, said: “The works were originally due to take place at the beginning of the year, but they were delayed due to the adverse weather and flooding.

“More vegetation clearance had to be undertaken than originally anticipated, as more trees were identified as dead or dangerous. We are looking forward to the new path being reopened.”