A SHOP keeper says it is 'business as usual' on his road despite water works which he says will affect trade.

Tom Cumberland, owner of Wayside Farm Shop said: "In the run up to Christmas we had 10 weeks of the A44 between Evesham and Broadway with traffic lights for a gas main replacement. This was during the busiest time of year, which affected our trade."

"Now the A44 between Evesham and Broadway is going to be closed again, but this time it is for 24 hours, the road will be cut off by the Volkswagen Garage for 14 days."

Mr Cumberland wants to remind people that it is “business as usual” on the road with all the shops still open and the public will still be able to access them.

Mr Cumberland said: "On the road there are The Dogs Trust charity, and two farm shops. Those are going to be affected.”

“It’s just a nightmare, we are very much still open. I just want something to be done to let people know it is business as usual. We are a small business and we rely on things like Valentine’s day to get us through the winter. Severn Trent don’t seem to care.” He said.

“People have been driving past the road believing it is closed.The diversion take people 20 miles out the way.”

He said at both ends of the road, signs say it is going to be closed for two weeks. The road is closed about 300 yards from Evesham roundabout.

"The road is perfectly passable for two miles, and people will be able to get to the Badsey Farm Shop too."

A spokesman from Severn Trent said: “Work to install brand new water pipes on Broadway Road in Evesham began on Monday, to ensure residents and local businesses have a reliable water supply for many years to come. To allow us to complete these vital works quickly and safely, the road will be temporarily closed to through traffic and a diversion route will be put in place, for approximately 14 days. We’re sorry for this inconvenience and understand the disruption it will cause. We have made every effort to minimise the impact by visiting those affected in advance of the work beginning, and more recently, we have put in place additional road signs, telling the community that local businesses remain open as normal."