Traders concerned over roadworks

Traders near to Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham say they are having a tough time due to major roadworks.

Work on replacing an old gas main has been going on for several months and is not due to end until March.

Frank Kostionis, from a hairdressers on Raddlebarn Road, said parking had become more of a problem.

National Grid said it was replacing an old metal gas main which has reached the end of its life with a plastic one which would last up to 80 years.

'Passing trade'

It said it should need minimal maintenance. National Grid said the work had kept moving around the area and any traffic restrictions had also changed at the same time.

Mr Kostionis said: "Overall it hasn't helped in the sense we're a local business, trying to provide a service for the locals and passing trade, people we've built up over the years.

"But parking is a problem, which has always been a problem on Raddlebarn Road, but it's even worse now with the works going on."

West Midlands Ambulance Service said although the roadworks were close to the hospital, they had not caused major problems for emergency vehicles needing to get through.