TRADERS in a Worces-tershire town claim their shops are getting fewer customers because of ongoing roadworks.

Sean Cribbin, of Quin-tessence delicatessen, High Street, Pershore, is one of the shopkeepers unhappy with the work which began in November and is expected to continue for at least another month. He said: "I don't just speak for myself when I say that the life and soul of Pershore is missing at the moment.

"The passing traffic has been reduced and so has the number of customers. The buzz that normally surrounds the place has been missing for some time. I think a lot of people are avoiding Pershore altogether at the moment as they see the signs for roadworks and hear about the horrendous queues at the traffic lights.

"The works are beneficial to other areas such as Evesham, as more people will be going there."

The work involves wid-ening the carriageway at the A44 Station Road to accommodate a crossing and pedestrian island at the junction, resurfacing the road and upgrading traffic lights.

Paul Felton, from Fruit Salad, also in High Street, said the roadworks have made an already quiet time of year even more so.

He said: "We obviously want more people to come to the town to see what we have to offer but it is going the other way at the moment."

Sally Everest, Worces-tershire County Council's network control manager, said: "Progress has been slow due to the programming of the scheme, which is complex as many processes are involved. The way the works are scheduled - to keep them flexible in the event of unforeseen circumstances - can make it seem as if work is very slow."