Business leaders have warned that roadworks across the city could put visitors off returning to Lichfield.
The warning from the Lichfield Business Improvement District (BID) comes after disruption to junctions in the city centre and on a key route in from the A38.
Motorists and residents have criticised the planning of the roadworks which have brought parts of the city to a standstill in recent weeks.
But Lichfield BID has warned the delays could have a longer-term effect.
“We have successfully raised the footfall into the city with increasing visitors travelling in via train, bus and car,” a spokesperson for the BID said.
“The fact our visitors and city workers have been stuck for long periods of time not only restricts our shops and offices from opening on time, but potentially puts visitors off from driving into Lichfield again.”
The Burton Road through Streethay has temporary traffic lights between the Trent Valley island and the A38 until 18th February, while junction improvements at Greenhill and the Birmingham Road have also been installed.
And drivers’ woes were added to today (31st January) as another set of temporary lights were put in on Trent Valley Road.
The BID spokesperson added: “Our local economy relies on the continuous flow of visitors, shoppers and workers into the city centre.
“We will be in contact with the relevant agencies to develop a working plan while these words are in progress.
“Meanwhile, we continue to support our businesses during their daily trading outs.”
Cllr Helen Fisher, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet member for highways and transport said highways bosses had sought to minimise disruption.
“Keeping a county the size of Staffordshire on the move can be a challenge at times, especially when you have to factor in highways maintenance, major developments, utility and telecom projects and emergency work – sometimes all at once,” she said.
“We are seeing some considerable development work in Lichfield currently with a mixture of different utility upgrades and highway improvements.
“Our highways teams continue to work closely with utility companies and developers to co-ordinate work to help minimise disruption to the travelling public.”
