Businesses have expressed major concerns over the impact of a six-month road closure on the high street. 

A number of owners have come together to remind residents that they will still be trading despite the one-way road closure that has been put in place on Bromsgrove High Street. 

The closure of the road, which came into force yesterday (Monday, April 15) and is set to last 26 weeks, is to allow improvement works to be carried out in the town. 

Bromsgrove Advertiser: The team at Mad Hatters Tea Room The team at Mad Hatters Tea Room (Image: Sarah Turner)

The owner of Mad Hatters Tea Room, Sarah Turner, aged 44, said: "We can't stop the work but it is going to cause a lot of disruption for us and other businesses like Café Morso in the town. 

"A few business owners have come together to voice our concerns over the closure as we fear that we will be impacted massively especially nearer the summer months. 

"We have a lot of outdoor seating and the main work is taking place right outside our front door so we will potentially lose a lot of customers. It is a really worrying time for us and it couldn't have come at a worse time heading towards the summer."

The work will take place outside of the pedestrianised zone with the road closed in the eastbound direction. 

The road will be fully open at weekends and pedestrian and vehicular access will be maintained to minimise disruptions to residents, businesses, and visitors in the area.

Worcestershire County Council and Bromsgrove District Council will deliver the project together with plans to improve paving and drainage, install new trees, cycle parking and benches and remove pavement clutter. 

Bromsgrove Advertiser: A 26-week road closure is in place A 26-week road closure is in place (Image: Worcestershire County Council)

A spokesperson for Worcestershire County Council said: "As the highway authority, the County Council has a statutory duty to maintain the public highway. 

"Improvements of this kind are also shown to improve footfall and economic activity, although we recognise that it can be inconvenient when the works are taking place.

"In advance of the improvement works starting w/c April 15 2024, we have liaised with all businesses who are directly impacted by the works and continue to engage to try and assist wherever possible."