AN angry licensee was forced to appeal to his MP Sir Michael Spicer for help after his business was brought to its knees by long-running roadworks.

Tim Burrows, of The Mill at Elmley Castle, near Evesham, struggled to stay viable in the aftermath of the foot-and-mouth crisis.

This year, business was beginning to pick up again until the county highways department closed Haselor Lane - the main access road in the village to and from Evesham.

Customers started to dwindle once more, forcing Mr Burrows to consider closure, despite Sir Michael's efforts that ensured the road opened again.

"The damage is done now after seven weeks without customers - I don't know whether I will survive," he said.

"I explained at the time that the proposed closure would have a devastating effect on my business, and that diversion signs had not been visible over the last two Bank Holiday weekends, but nothing was done until Sir Michael stepped in this week."

Sir Michael said: "I am glad I was able to help after contacting the county council, and I hope very much that the business stays open, as village pubs are very important.

"I am also asking the Government for changes in the rules to oblige county councils to consult with those directly affected by road closures well before they happen."

Head of Wychavon's highways department, Geoff Cox said: "The road maintenance was very necessary and we opened the road, with traffic lights, as soon as we could."