CHANGES have been made to the route of a major cycle ride in Worcestershire after an outcry by people living and working along the route.

We previously reported how 15,000 riders will descend on Worcestershire for Vélo Birmingham, an 100-mile closed roads charity bike ride.

Worcestershire County Council had agreed that roads along more than 60 miles of Worcestershire countryside could be closed for most of the day, a Sunday in September, to allow the race to take place safely.

But a route change has now been agreed following a tidal wave of complaints.

They had flooded in to the council after the draconian road closures were first announced.

People had been shocked when it was revealed roads along the original route would be closed for much of the day and said they would be trapped in their homes.

Those running pubs, restaurants and wedding venues along the roads said they would have no choice but to close for the day, church services were under threat of cancellation and some people raised worries about access by emergency services or medical help.

Details of the new route with changes particularly to the west of the county where people were due to be badly affected - are due to be released tomorrow morning.

Ken Pollock, cabinet member with responsibility for Economy and Infrastructure, described the new route as "quite a substantial change."

He said: "We have raised our concerns with the event organisers and following a series of meetings they have agreed to make changes to the previously proposed route through Worcestershire.

"The proposed new route would mean fewer road closures. It would be less disruptive and the route would avoid the areas in the west of the county from where most concerns arose.

"We will now begin the legal process to approve the road closures for the event and will continue to work with the organisers to mitigate the impact of those road closures on our residents and businesses."

Dr Pollock added: "It's quite a substantial change which has made life a lot easier for some of the people who had been complaining and for the businesses it had made life difficult for.

"We will do a lot of work in the coming months to see just how we can mitigate the problems that still exist and make the very best job we possibly can of the event.

"In that respect we are very keen to encourage cycling and this is a huge event and we have to make sure it takes place in the best possible way maximising enjoyment and minimising disruption."

The sold-out race was originally due to see cyclists travel from Birmingham through Bewdley, Great Witley, Stanford Bridge, Upper Rochford, Clifton-upon-Teme, back through Great Witley, Ombersley, Droitwich, Cutnall Green and Bromsgrove before returning to Birmingham on Sunday, September 24.

UPDATE: The new Vélo Birmingham route has now been revealed. Full details here.