DRIVERS are being urged to plan their journeys ahead of three major sporting events in the county next month.

The Worcester City Half Marathon and 10k run, the Tour of Britain race and the Velo Birmingham ride will all take place in September.

Residents and the county council cabinet member for roads say there will be too much traffic disruption but the county council says the events will boost the economy.

The Tour of Britain will start in Croft Road, Worcester, and the street will be closed from 4am to 1pm, on Sunday, September 10.

A rolling roadblock will be enforced for the race, which means 10 streets in the city will shut between 10.45am and noon.

Worcestershire County Council announced it had approved a series of controversial road closures for the Velo Birmingham ride.

The Worcester City Half Marathon and 10k run will also lead to road closures in the city.

Cllr Alan Amos, cabinet member for the county's roads, said the events would lead to much traffic disruption.

He said: "I think we have got too many of these events on too close together.

"We have the Worcester City run and 10k, the Tour of Britain stage eight and this wretched Birmingham Velo.

"Three events in three weeks, that's too many. I'm arranging to see the officer in charge of this thing to make sure this doesn't happen again.

"I know the run and the tour both have popular support and will bring business to Worcester.

"But Birmingham Velo in my view is a one-off and must never happen again."

Jan Jarvis, chair of the Spetchley Road Residents' Association, said: "I think it [the Tour of Britain] is a very silly idea.

"I think I shall walk. [It] will probably be quicker than going in the car.

"I suppose it's only one day but it's on top of everything else, we already have severe problems.

"Why couldn't it have been directed towards junction five where it's not so congested?

"At weekends I know what it's like around the island [on Whittington Road] before you get to junction seven. It's the only arterial road from the M5.

"It's horrendous. You can't get down, it's so congested."

A Worcestershire County Council spokesman said: "The county council has granted permission for road closures for three major events in September to help showcase the county.

"These high profile sporting events will bring economic, environmental and health and wellbeing benefits to Worcestershire, which are three of our main priorities.

"We would like to thank local residents and businesses for their patience and ask that they plan their journeys in advance."

A spokesman for Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce added: "Being featured in events such as the Tour of Britain provides fantastic economic opportunities for Worcestershire, as well as a tourism boost for the county.

"We have beautiful countryside, historic towns and a great city to show off but it’s vital that businesses are consulted in advance and that they are given adequate time to prepare for any potential disruption."

The Worcester City Half Marathon and 10k run will lead to the closure of 40 roads in the city between 6am and 3pm on Sunday, September 17.

The Velo Birmingham cycle ride will take place on Sunday, September 24, with closures planned across Worcestershire, including in Bewdley, Great Witley, Holt Heath, Ombersley and Droitwich.