A MAJOR redevelopment of Evesham High Street may have to be put on hold after county council chiefs withdrew their offer of cash aid.

And now district councillors fear that grant aid they expected from Advantage West Midlands could also be at risk because of delays.

They have been angered by the belief that the county council has diverted £750,000 they had been promised to extend the park and ride service in Worcester.

That was confirmed this week by cabinet member Cllr John Smith, who is also a member of Evesham Town Council.

"If we do not do something about the congestion in Worcester the government will hit us with a congestion charge," he said.

"The scheme to improve Evesham High Street is not likely to do much to ease congestion."

Wychavon District Council leader Cllr Martin Jennings said: "This news is extremely disappointing for the people of Evesham.

"The town has seen significant improvements in the last few years which were recognised through its National Market Towns award for the riverside regeneration programme.

"It is imperative that the High Street improvements now happen."

The £1.5 million scheme would improve the High Street for pedestrians and cyclists, ease congestion by creating a more effective two-way traffic flow and make it a more attractive environment for residents and visitors.

Cllr Jennings said: "Wychavon District Council has already set aside some of its own budget for the scheme.

"We've also been in negotiations about funding with Advantage West Midlands for some months and as a result have used resources to prepare a funding application which we were poised to submit to AWM.

"The delay in a funding commitment from the county council means we've had to withhold our application.

"I fear our chances of securing AWM funding may now be in jeopardy."

The scheme for Evesham's High Street is one of five national pilot schemes for town centre traffic management improvements chosen by Transport 2000.