WORK is set to start on making Bromsgrove's bus station and surrounding area safer for pedestrians.

The £200,000 Mill Lane improvement package starts on September 14, following extensive consultation with residents, shopkeepers and bus operators.

The work, which includes improved traffic signals and some road widening, is expected to last ten weeks and is being jointly funded by Bromsgrove District Council and Worcestershire County Council.

Alternative temporary traffic arrangements will come into operation while the work is being carried out.

Councillor Dennis Norton (Con-St John's) said: "The changes will make the area much safer for pedestrians, especially the disabled using the busy thoroughfare from ASDA to the town centre.

"We regret that temporarily we will have to move the bus station to Recreation Road on the instructions of the health and safety executive.

"We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Cllr George Lord (Con-Alvechurch), the leader of the county council and who lives in Marlbrook, said: "This is an important improvement that will benefit both businesses and shoppers and I am delighted to see it get under way."

During the work buses will stop in Recreation Road.

A one-way traffic system will be introduced in Recreation Road and Churchfields necessitating restricting parking along both roads.

Market Street service road and part of Mill Lane will be closed although delivery vehicles will have access to properties in the service road.

The taxi ranks will be moved back along the service road to the bottom of Church Street.

Mike Walton, traffic engineer for the County Highways Partnership said: "While the work is going on we will do our best to ensure people can continue to walk along Mill Lane from Market Street.

However, Market Street will have to be closed for one or maybe two Sundays, but we will endeavour to keep disruption to a minimum."

Labour councillor Athol Deakin (Sidemoor) said he has received several calls from anxious residents who claim they have been kept in the dark about the temporary move.

But Mr Walton said all those affected have been sent letters and a copy of the plan.