TRADERS in Worcester claim bus lanes and double yellow lines are forcing them out of business.

The lanes were created in Barbourne Road, Barbourne, when the park-and-ride site was built at Perdiswell, and double yellow lines installed on the opposite side of the road.

But retailers say the double yellow lines are stopping people parking in front of their shops and they are spending their money elsewhere.

They claim Victoria Wines in Barbourne Road was forced to close because it was losing up to 75 per cent of its turnover.

"We didn't realise how much impact it would have," said Adrian Hughes, of The Snip Joint barbers, who has formed the Business and Residents Association of North Worcester.

"By taking away the car parking spaces they're taking away business. Most of the traders here have given up.

"We may be forced out. I don't want to go - I like it here, otherwise I wouldn't have stayed 27 years, but I may not have any option."

Sue Saunders, from Video Nest, agreed the yellow lines had made a difference to business.

"People still park, but more quickly, and just run in," she said.

Jane Johns, who owns the Full Steam Ahead ironing and dry cleaning business, said the yellow lines had meant a drop of about 30 per cent in her business.

"No one seems to think of small businesses trying to survive," she said.

"These decisions are made without consulting us. We're very cramped here and it does make a difference if people can't park."

Tom Comerford, senior engineer in traffic management and transportation at the Worcester Transportation Partnership, said parking had always been a hazard in the area and a parking lay-by had been installed a little further up the road when the bus lanes went in, to help the situation.

"The lay-by provides safer parking as it is out of the running lane traffic.

"In my view, the bus lane has eased the flow of traffic along the whole length of the road. It is difficult to have a viable park-and-ride unless you give priority to buses to make them advantageous over cars."

He said shops opening and closing was a natural part of business.

"There have been a few shops change since the bus lanes went in - a natural turnover of shops is inevitable - but equally there are some that have been there forever."