TOWN centre users can expect traffic trouble this month as work to improve the walking and cycling network restarts in Bromsgrove.

Work at Sanders Park and on Market Street was interrupted by the coronavirus lockdown in March but has now been begun again by Worcestershire County Council.

A new footbridge has already been put in place between Market Street and Mill Lane, with work also beginning on crossing points on the bridge to help improve pedestrian safety.

As a result, some bus stops are currently out of use while the taxi rank has relocated to a bus stand.

Later on this month, the week beginning July 20, there will be temporary traffic lights installed at the Market Street and Mill Lane junction.

In addition that week, there will be a one-way temporary road closure on Church Street, which will affect southbound buses and delivery vehicles exiting the Asda yard.

Vehicles will be diverted along Crabtree Lane, Churchfields and Recreation Road.

Councillor Ken Pollock, cabinet member with responsibility for economy and infrastructure for Worcestershire County Council, said: “These works, along with the schemes that we’ve already completed in the town, are essential for making it easier for people to get about the town centre without the need to use their cars.

“We’re committed to ensuring that we reduce congestion in and around Bromsgrove and making improvements to walking and cycling routes is a huge part of this commitment.”

Works to complete phase three of the Sanders Park enhancements are also set to begin and will last up to six weeks.

These works include widening of the Sanders Park Bridge and works to finish off widening the paths either side of the bridge plus installation of new signage and bollards across the park.

Over the past two years, Worcestershire County Council has worked on a number of improvement schemes for walking and cycling in the area.

These works have included improving access to Pig Alley, installing improved road crossings on Windsor Street, Kidderminster Road and Hanover Street, traffic calming measures on Broad Street and a range of footways widened across the town to cater for both pedestrians and cyclists.

The programme of works is funded via the Department for Transport’s (DfT) National Productivity Investment Fund of which £3.4 million was granted to the county to reduce congestion and improve walking and cycling routes in Bromsgrove.