Callow End road closure sees village businesses suffer

Cadent is carrying out more than a month's worth of work on Upton Road, leading to closures all the way through from Callow End.

As a result, businesses in the village are warning of losing half their usual business, with district councillor Tom Wells describing it as the hardest week of his time as a councillor.

He said: "Last week was a probably the most difficult week I have ever had as local councillor for Callow End.

"The road closure has been really frustrating for everyone trying to get into Worcester or further afield. But it won't go on forever.

CLOSED: One of the Callow End signs

"I had to sort out the ridiculous signage placed by Cadent all round the area. Much of it was contradictory and made little sense.

"Then, there was the need to re route the village bus service via Jennet Tree Lane and to sort out arrangements for the local refuse collection rounds on Mondays."

Sue Cassidy, chair of Callow End Village Hall's committee, said the number of hall bookings had fallen by half, with the worst yet to come.

She said: "We usually take around £1,000 a month in bookings, but we are looking at losing half of that.

"A regular group which uses the hall has already told us they are finding somewhere else while the work is going on because members of the group really struggle with the diversion.

READ MORE: More details of Callow End road closure revealed

"The hall is a fantastic community asset, and it would be a real shame if we lost the income and people from it.

"Our message to people is not to forget about us and to come back."

While the work is going on, vehicles trying to get into Callow End itself have to tackle a detour which loops up around Madresfield, down Guarlford Road and in from the other end of Upton Road.

There is also a diversion via Jennet Tree Lane near Stanbrook Abbey Hotel.

Cadent has closed the road to replace a gas main, saying it will re-open on September 2.