KIDDERMINSTER drivers and traders will be hit by water company works which will close Comb-erton Hill to traffic going out of town from Monday.

Shop owners are worried about the effect vital repair work on a stretch of water mains will have on their businesses.

Severn Trent Water's £1 million scheme, which will take three weeks to complete, means traffic travelling up the road has to be diverted along a signed route for 21 days.

One Stop store manager, Chris Vaughan, said: "There's no way to stop it and the work will have to be done but it's a very busy road and it's likely to affect us.

"We rely quite a bit on passing trade and, as it is, there are only a few parking spaces outside.

"It will also have an impact on us with deliveries."

Sandwich Bar owner, Glynis Mannion, added: "I hope it doesn't affect us as we do have a good passing trade but, whatever happens, it won't stop us. The work has to be done so I guess we'll have to put up with it."

Annabella Harvey-Lawrence, owner of Harveys the Jewellers, felt the work was necessary, however, to ensure water was not wasted unnecessarily.

The on-going scheme, which began in June, followed a 24-inch pipe burst at the junction of Spennells Valley Road and Comberton Road, leaving thousands of people without water for hours and closing four schools.

A Severn Trent Water spokesman said businesses affected would be compensated for any loss of earnings but each individual case would be considered on its merits.

The company's project manager, Richard Jemmett, said it was vital to replace large sections of pipe but hoped the benefits would outweigh the short-term traffic problems.

He added: "We appreciate closing Comberton Hill to traffic going out of town will cause congestion and disruption and we are extremely sorry to have to close the road in one direction.

"We will be doing all we can to keep traffic moving and hope people can bear with us during this vital stage of our £1 million project."

Workmen have started work on the Swan Centre and Green Street, together with streets within the ring road.

The project has been brought forward to allow for the resurfacing of Comberton Hill once contractors have upgraded water mains along the road.

For more information and compensation inquiries, call 0800 7834444.