ANOTHER street has closed in a town hit by a 'double whammy' of roadworks.

Gas firm Cadent shut Court Street, in Upton, on Monday, 12 March, with the closure due to last two weeks.

Upton Business Association (UBA) said the work has to be done, despite the impact on traders.

A spokesman for Cadent said: "Court Street will be closed for two weeks from Monday, 12 March, while we carry out gas work there."

Cadent is also replacing the final section of gas main in Old Street and hopes to lift the road closure this weekend.

The spokesman added: "Owing to an increase in traffic in School Lane and difficulties for motorists in passing each other on this narrow street, it has been agreed with the highways authority that School Lane will be made temporarily one-way – southbound only – until the Old Street road closure is lifted.

"We would like to thank everyone in Upton for bearing with us.

"We are making every effort to get this work done as soon as possible. It is very important that we renew these ageing gas mains.

"The new pipes will keep people safe and warm until the next century. Once these pipes are in the ground they will last for at least 80 years, with little or no maintenance."

There will be temporary traffic lights at the junction of Old Street, New Street and High Street, while Court Street is shut.

Annette Keyworth, chair of the UBA, said: "It's an inconvenience, however it has to be done.

"Traders are suffering through all of this. It's affecting every business in town. The compensation package has been helping, I think the majority of businesses have applied for it.

"The lesson that could be learnt from this is that the extent of the work should have been phased in over time.

"One month one year, and one month the following year, not massive disruption for nearly four months, which it looks like it will be."

Mrs Keyworth added that traders are still open for business in the town and two hours of free parking is available at Hanley Road car park.

Malvern Hills District Council has offered Upton Business Association (UBA) £10,000 worth of funding to support local companies.

Mike Ostick, vice chairman of the UBA, previously said the town had been hit by a 'double whammy' of works, due to the flood alleviation project on the A4104.

Town traders may be able to claim compensation from Cadent by ringing 0845 7573202 or emailing cs.busclaims@cadentgas.com.