'NIGHTMARE' closure after a water leak on a major city road has affected trade of businesses in the area.

Businesses near Barbourne Road have been left counting the cost after the main road was closed after a burst water pipe.

Worcestershire Highways has warned the A38 will remain closed this weekend and does not have a reopening date yet - though Severn Trent Water has completed repairs to the pipe.

Water surged down Barbourne Road on Wednesday afternoon (June 21) forcing the tarmac to crack and police to cordon off the road.

There is still a giant hole in the road while work is ongoing at the site with water currently being pumped out.

The closure has not just caused chaos to traffic but also nearby businesses that rely on passing trade. 

READ MORE: Severn Trent says water supply restored

Jon Dean, co-owner of The Alma Tavern on Droitwich Road, said there has been a notable difference in trade following the water leak.

He said: "We have certainly noticed things have been slower since this has all begun.

"Whilst the signage is up for motorists and pedestrians, which is all well and good, the thing that is missing is some wording that highlights businesses are open as usual and there is still access to frontages.

"I know that these things happen and the work is needed to get things back up to normal, but it does have a knock-on effect on trade and also staffing.

"With fewer people coming through the door, it could mean fewer staff are needed on the day which could affect their hours."

Ryan Maund, of The Swan at Barbourne, said that the closure has been a 'nightmare' and has also affected deliveries to the pub.

He said: "It has caused a bit of a nightmare to be honest.

"My delivery could not come to the pub this morning as it could not get around the closure which caused a lot of panic.

"In the end, I have had to sort a courier instead so we have our stock levels in order ahead of the weekend.

"This sort of thing has happened on Barbroune Road before and water actually managed to find its way into my cellar which was annoying but thankfully not the end of the world.

"I think the closure will be in effect for a while so hopefully it does not damage our weekend."

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However, not all businesses have experienced a major change in trade as a result of the closure.

The Lemon Tart said that the business has thankfully not been too affected by the closure and is continuing as normal.

Worcester residents who had their water supply affected should now have it restored, but Severn Trent warned it may be intermittent.