DEVASTATED independent retailers say they now face the 'worst case scenario' as the Broad Street road closure was extended yesterday afternoon.

Upset traders could only stand and watch as they became completely cut off from the top section of the street just before the Victorian Christmas Fayre.

Shoppers had been able to cut through the barriers but Worcestershire Highways announced this afternoon there was no pedestrian access to Broad Street from Angel Place.

While the top of Broad Street remained busy with people, the lower end of the street was almost empty.

"Look at it, there is hardly anyone here," said Tim Evans from Toys and Games of Worcester gesturing along the street towards Deansway.

"It's devastating. I've had to cancel a pallet of Christmas toys today.

"We were all trading this morning with pedestrian access and as soon as they moved the barriers we were dead ducks."

Andrew Connellan of Connect 2 Vapes said: "This is going to decimate us - it was like this for a short time on Saturday and it killed us then.

"It's not just concerning for businesses but also for emergency services - how will they get past it?"

Confused people were being turned away by security guards who were posted on both ends of Broad Street as well as Angel Street.

Shoppers are being urged to support the shops and can reach the lower section of Broad Street through Crowngate or from Deansway.

Rachael Evans from New England Country Stores said: "If possible I am going to be remaining open because this is our busiest week of the year so we haven't really got any other option.

"I can't really see what we can do other than say we are open and put it on social media."

Mr Evans added: "At the moment, everyone is working together on this and trying to find a solution for everyone concerned.

"Nobody wants this to happen.

"Highways are being very supportive."

Poundland has been closed since about May for a programme of repairs on the building which is owned by Crown Estates.

It is not known how long the barriers will be in place or when the work is scheduled to be completed.

A spokesperson for The Crown Estate said: "Due to some urgent works that need to be undertaken at one of our properties around the CrownGate Shopping Centre, it has been necessary to introduce a temporary closure of Unicorn Walk.

"We are working to re-open the area as soon as possible.

"We apologise for any disruption, but safety is our immediate priority and we are working closely with the affected businesses throughout."