THE owner of a pub says he's "stressed" over a three-month road closure which has seen trade take a hit.

Ben Giles, who runs The Fox Inn at Chaddesley Corbett, says he had to cancel some carvery evenings last week due to a lack of bookings.

It follows last week's closure of a section of the A448, the main route between Kidderminster and Bromsgrove. It's expected to be closed for three months as Severn Trent replaces a water pipe.

Mr Giles, aged 39, said: "The whole thing is really not good. It's very worrying times.

"Last week I'm down by about 50 to 60 percent. The bookings haven't come through.

"I don't want to sit there and look at my empty pub which isn't my fault".

People can still access the pub via Woodrow Lane whilst the closure is in place.

Mr Giles added: "The Giles family has served Worcestershire for nearly 50 years. We've got a good reputation.

"We are still open as usual - any custom is very much appreciated".

Meanwhile, Chris Rowberry, who runs Rowberry's Nursery Farm Shop and Restaurant nearby, slammed the road closure as "ridiculous."

He said his trade has been significantly hit by the road closure, which came into force on Monday, February 19.

Danni Tooth, who runs Chaddesley Fuel Station and Shop, says customer numbers have taken a "huge drop."

The work by Severn Trent on the A448 started in May 2023 but had to be abandoned due to a road worker being seriously injured after being hit by a vehicle.

The closure is in place 24/7 and there is no through route to Kidderminster from Bromsgrove between Harvington Hall Lane and Dobes Lane.