WORK began this week on a £385,000 road safety scheme on the A46 at Beckford.

It marks the end of a long campaign by villagers, councillors and MP Sir Michael Spicer for improvements.

The scheme follows a consultation in the village by the highways agency when residents were asked to say what they thought should be done, and incorporates the main recommendations.

County councillor Adrian Hardman, who represents Beckford on Worcestershire County Council, said: "I am delighted that the Highways Agency is getting on with it, and pleased they have brought the work forward from the original date.

"I hope the weather allows the contractors to work unhindered."

He added: "The campaign to get road improvements has been going on a long time and I am pleased the residents are at last seeing something done."

The works are due to last four weeks and include a new right turn lane at the Beckford Inn junction, low noise surfacing from the Beckford Inn junction to north of the Teddington Hands roundabout, and traffic calming measures.

The traffic calming will include widening to accommodate a new pedestrian crossing, provision of a new bus stop, revised road markings, a reduction in the speed limit from 60mph to 50mph and amendments to signs.

Project sponsor Duncan Rogers said: "This scheme is a demonstration of the highways agency's commitment to improving the safety of the trunk road network.

"Works will take place at off-peak times when there will be temporary 30mph and 10mph speed restrictions in operation."