BOLLARDS are to be removed from outside a small store in the hope of saving the business.

Profits at Midland News Store in Wychbold have dropped by around 30 per cent each month compared to last year since the bollards were put up.

Highway bosses have now agreed to remove the bollards after a meeting with members of Dodderhill Parish Council and Wychavon District Councillor Judy Pearce. She met Worcestershire County Council's Highways representatives and members of Dodderhill Parish Council last week to help resolve the problem.

The bollards were installed there to stop cars pulling on to the pavement near the crossing area.

The county council is to remove the bollards over the next few weeks for a trial period.

Cllr Pearce said: "I am delighted that the highways officers have seen sense. The bollards serve no purpose except to destroy the business of the Midland News Shop which really is a village lifeline. We really must pull out all the stops to save small businesses like this."

Mendo Kumari, from Midland News Store, said: "It is great news that the bollards are going. Customers have been complaining to me about the problem because it is very difficult for people to get to the store."