A DROITWICH landlord fears his pub will have to close because of continuous roadworks.

David Webb, aged 51, who runs the Star and Garter pub, is backed by other traders who say they've also been badly affected by the work.

Mr Webb claims the noise and disruption from the improvement works on Droitwich High Street left him struggling to pay his rent and the council are doing nothing to help.

"I'm hanging in by the skin of my teeth," said Mr Webb.

"My rent has been as high as £39,000 which back then I could afford but now it's £8,000 and I'm struggling to pay that to be honest.

"Not one person has come and spoke to me from the council yet business rates continue to go up."

He continued: "I've got a few regulars that come in but the passing trade is virtually zero, it's non-existent.

Severn Trent Water completed infrastructure work in June before Worcestershire County Council began its improvement work which will keep the road closed until at least mid-October.

The work will see the uneven road and pavement surfaces improved and a raised pedestrian crossing point installed.

It is hoped the overhaul will help attract more tourists and shoppers to Droitwich, while improving conditions for residents and existing businesses.

Mr Webb was offered compensation by Severn Trent Water after it carried out its maintenance work but has yet to be offered help from the council.

He added high business rates make the town unattractive to shops and businesses as they also struggle with dwindling visitor numbers.

"There are maybe three or four shops on the High Street worth visiting now," he said.

Mr Webb believes the customers he has lost because of the road closure runs into the thousands.

"They know pubs are struggling but yet they still put the rates up," he said.

"The council said you need to fill these forms out and it was like something from NASA.

"I filled them in and I've still heard nothing back and that was over six weeks ago."

The drop in trade has also affected a number of other shops on the High Street.

Compcycle Ltd, a computer repairs shop, closed at the end of July and moved to Hereford, blaming the roadworks and the general state of the economy.

Sue Allen, owner of Flowers of Elegance, said: "We haven't been that badly affected but that is only because our regular customers keep returning but passing trade has been badly affected.

"A few weeks ago after Severn Trent had finished and the High Street was open, I took nearly double on the Saturday than what I had been doing when it was shut.

"I've heard nothing from the council."

Izzy Wizzy Sweetiz sweetshop has been affected to the extent, it can only staff the shop on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Andy Digger, landlord of The Talbot, said: "It's not been good and it's going on for the rest of the year but we'll just have to grin and bear it to be honest."

"It is an inconvenience but it has got to be done and it is going to improve the High Street."

A Worcestershire County Council spokesman did not answer Mr Webb's compensation query but said: "Severn Trent Water carried out essential works in the High Street and when that had been completed, to try and minimise the disruption we then started our works in the High Street.

"Our works are essential and the end result will considerably enhance the High Street and make it more attractive to shoppers, particularly people who are less mobile and people with pushchairs.

"While the works are being carried out, there are plenty of parking spaces within less than a minutes' walk of the High Street and some of these are currently at a reduced rate.

"We've also worked alongside Wychavon District Council to promote businesses on the High Street in Droitwich on social media and through other channels."