Eight weeks of roadworks in Tipton could cause 'pandemonium'

Essential gas repairs start on Monday around High Street and Owen Street and could carry on until September.

Traders fear the works will impact business, especially at one of their busiest times – the school holidays.

One worried boss, Steve Hannington, who opened an independent toy shop just off Owen Street in August last year, said: "We're dreading it, it's hard enough as it is.

"Just when you think Tipton is getting back on its feet they decide to shut the roads.

"This is right in the school holidays, the time when we want to attract kids, so it's the worst possible time for us.

"I think this is going to be a shame for a number of businesses here who have had it tough for years."

Balfour Beatty is carrying out the work for National Grid Gas and traffic diversions will be put in place.

According to Mr Hannington these could cause 'pandemonium' as they send motorists through tight residential areas.

Other firms in and around the area share his concerns about the potential impact of the works on trade.

Victoria Chippy boss Lucas Menicou, who has been at the shop for 19 years, said: "It's going to be very bad.

"Closing the road kills us, it kills the trade. If we don't have through trade here that kills us off. It's terrible."

Phase one of the repairs will see the High Street closed between Sedgley Road West and the Canal Bridge from July 20 to August 9.

Diversions will be via Owen Street, Alexandra Road, Lower Church Lane, Horseley Heath, Dudley Port, Sedgley Road East, Park Lane West and vice versa.

Alternatively via Sedgley Road West, Hurst Lane, Bloomfield Road, Upper Church Lane, Alexandra Road, Owen Street and vice versa. Phase two affects Owen Street and Albion Street.

Three-way temporary traffic lights will operate from 7am to 7pm with side road closures in Brick Kiln Street and Wood Street from August 10 to 23.

Phase three will run from August 24 to September 11 and affect Owen Street and High Street, with one way traffic only between Wood Street and Sedgley Road West.

For almost three weeks in August there will also be work done to install a new water main in Tipton which could add to the traffic troubles.

National Grid spokeswoman Jane Taylor said: "We'll do everything we can to keep the disruption to a minimum. The whole road won't be closed for the whole project, it will move along with the work."