TRADERS are "worried to death" that traffic chaos will cost them business when roadworks start on a busy Worcester shopping street.

Shop owners are expecting to struggle when Severn Trent starts to dig up the road in Lowesmoor for investigatory work on its pipes as it tries to sort out a flooding problem.

Traders have been warned that the work could take up to three weeks once it starts on Monday, June 18, during which time a one-way system will be in place along Lowesmoor.

Peter Griffin, owner of Tilley's sandwich bar in Lowesmoor, said he was mostly worried about how it would affect deliveries to and from his business.

"We are absolutely dreading it," he said. "We are worried to death. It's going to be horrendous."

Rob Baker, owner of Mobile Audio, said that while he realised the work needed to be done, he hoped it would not have too much of an effect on his business.

"The thought of Lowesmoor being closed for three weeks is obviously very worrying, but we really need to see when everything is set up how the traffic flows," he said.

"Should there be a large loss of business I shall be talking to Severn Trent to see what they are going to do for us."

Severn Trent spokesman Vicky Phillips said: "We are going to be investigating a flood protection project which might involve upgrading sets of pipes or installing some sort of tank.

"But the work taking place is not the project itself. We are going to be investigating into what needs to be done to protect the area from flooding because I gather there have been some sewer issues in the past."

She said Severn Trent was working with Worcestershire County Council to work out the final traffic-flow arrangements.

She said: "Lowesmoor won't be closed completely - people will still be able to use it. We are going to install some temporary traffic lights, but it might not be for the whole three weeks."