A WORCESTER-based artist says he woke up to find roadworks blocking off his driveway.

David Birtwhistle said he had not been notified that roadworks were starting outside his home and the work will affect an exhibition he was planning to hold outside his home. 

Mr Birtwhistle, of Bransford Road, St John’s, criticised Worcestershire County Council about the lack of notice - although the council says it sent letters to all affected residents.

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He said: "At 5.30am yesterday, I had a wake-up call from the Worcestershire County Council Highways and Travel department setting up lights outside of my house.

"I was not told about these works or consulted. It is as if the county council feel that they have no obligation to notify people.

"These days it should be easy to notify residents of these things so we can make arrangements."

Mr Birtwhislte is one of many artists across the county taking part in the Worcestershire Open Studios event from August 20 to August 29.

As a result of the roadworks, he is concerned that the barriers and temporary lights will deter visitors to the event on the day.

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Mr Birtwhistle said: "The entrance to my driveway is stuck behind barriers and lights making it almost impossible for any visitors to see my art for when the event begins.

"My studio is unfortunately on the third storey of a house so instead I was going to mount a display at the front of my home.

"This is an opportunity for me to earn money as an artist and this work will have a direct impact on this.

"There are very few opportunities like this at the moment due to the effects of the pandemic, things still are not recovering for artists and it is a shame to see Worcestershire County Council not supporting local arts."

According to One.network, the work is for pavement reconstruction and is taking place outside Regent House and across the junction of School Road.

Worcester News: Roadworks on Bransford Road, St John's. Picture Credit: David Birtwhistle.Roadworks on Bransford Road, St John's. Picture Credit: David Birtwhistle.

A spokesperson for Worcestershire County Council said: “We can confirm that a letter was sent to residents in the immediate vicinity of the works before this footway scheme started and advanced warning signs have been in place.

"The works are outside the vicinity of Mr Birtwistle’s studio and have been scheduled within school holidays to minimise traffic disruption.

"They were requested by the local councillor for this area, and are on schedule to be finished on Saturday, after which all traffic management will be removed.”