MOTORISTS and pedestrians are being warned about footpath and road closures planned around Bromsgrove town centre and Aston Fields in the first half of September.

The closures are necessary due to ongoing work to make improvements to the walking and cycling network in Bromsgrove.

Works will start in the coming weeks on Hill Lane, Dragoon Fields and Church Lane to improve access and safety in these areas for cyclists and pedestrians.

All three areas will see the introduction of new dropped kerbs crossing points.

Councillor Ken Pollock, cabinet member with responsibility for economy and infrastructure for Worcestershire County Council, said: “The improvements being made to cycling and walking routes in Bromsgrove just keep on coming, and these three will make a big difference for cyclists and pedestrians who use these areas.

“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 without the need to use their cars.

“Making improvements to walking and cycling provision is a huge part of the council’s commitment to reduce congestion, not only in Bromsgrove, but across the county.”

Works will start on Hill Lane next Tuesday (September 8) to upgrade the Worcester Road to Hill Lane footpath and alley.

The footpath will be closed throughout the works, which are expected to last up to three days.

The improvements at Dragoon Fields will begin next Thursday (September 10) to install a dropped kerb crossing on either side of the Dragoon Fields/Finstall Road junction.

The junction will be closed during the works, with residential access via Rigby Lane. Works will last for up to four days.

Works will get underway at the junction of Kidderminster Road and Church Lane on Monday, September 14 to install a new dropped kerb crossing.

Works are expected to last for up to three days and will take place under three-way traffic lights.

Diversions will be in place for all footpath and road closures.

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.