Night-time working plea on island jams

Traders affected by roadworks for the £12 million redevelopment of Burnt Tree Island have called on council chiefs to do the work at night instead.

Shopkeepers in Tividale Road, Tipton, were celebrating in June after winning a campaign to keep one lane of their road open while the work, which is due to last 18 months, takes place.

But last week's traffic chaos and tailbacks as work got under way forced drivers to reconsider their routes, and many are avoiding the area altogether.

The traders are saying they have seen a 50 per cent drop in business.

Gaz Khan, who runs Lifestyle Express, said: "People are staying away now. The councils are warning people to avoid the area, and that is what they are doing. It's the last thing we want.

"We were so happy when we heard that the road would be staying open but it is as bad as if the road was closed. I am calling on the council to have the work take place at night instead."

Andrew Harper, of R Harper Butchers, said: "We would love it if they did the work at night but I can't see how that is going to happen.

"The loss of trade is a grave concern to us all."

Miles of tailbacks have built up along Duncan Edwards Way and Castle Gate since the project began last Monday.

Tory councillor Mary Docker, who represents Blackheath but lives in Tividale, said: "If the measures being put in place are not successful, then the councils will need to look at them again."

Chris Howes, spokesman for Dudley Council, said: "We apologise for any inconvenience but with all large- scale engineering works, the first few days are always difficult as motorists find alternative routes.

"We sent out over 3,000 letters and publicised the work through the local media and on our website well in advance. We would ask motorists and residents to bear with us."