A CONTROVERSIAL scheme to improve traffic flow for motorists and facilities for pedestrians, cyclists and bus users in Worcester has finished – but it has come at a cost to some businesses.

After a year of disruption while new cycle lanes, pedestrian crossings, street lighting and traffic signals were installed on Bromyard Road, the £3.2 million project, which also funded the creation of a 100 metre-long bus lane, has been brought to a close.

Harj Minhas, who owns convenience store Premier Broadway Express in Broadway Grove, off Bromyard Road, said takings were cut in half while the work was being done.

“We are relieved it’s over but why did they bother?” he asked. “Yes, it looks pretty – but pretty doesn’t compensate for loss of business.”

Dan Taylor, co-owner of the A44 MOT Station and Tyre Shop in Bromyard Road, agreed. “It has cost everyone around here a lot of money and we’re just hoping business picks up again,” he said.

The most controversial part of the project has seen a section of Bromyard Road widened between Broadway Grove and Tudor Way to accommodate a small bus/cycle lane. Sceptics are not sure how such a short section of road will improve bus service speed and reliability, but Worcestershire County Council’s transport chiefs are adamant it will have a positive impact.

Other sections of Bromyard Road, Tudor Way, Broadway Grove, Boughton Avenue, Watery Lane, Comer Road, St John’s Bullring, Tybridge Street and Hylton Road have also had work done on them over the last 12 months, while resurfacing work has been carried out on the highway – including several sections with anti-skid surfaces – and footpaths.

Boughton Avenue was also closed to traffic from Bromyard Road after residents complained about the speed and number of vehicles using it as a ‘rat-run’.

All of the work was financed by the Homes and Communities Agency – almost £470,000 was also secured from developers’ contributions in return for developments in the area – with the condition the money could only be spent on this scheme.

Councillor John Smith, cabinet member for highways and transport, thanked people for their patience. “I’m delighted this scheme, which will bring many long-term benefits for pedestrians, cyclists, bus users and motorists, is now complete,” he said. “All of the improvements have one thing in common – to make things better for people when it comes to travelling around the area. I’m sure in the months and years ahead we’ll look back and realise how important this work was.”

Tracy Payton, Homes and Communities Agency investment and regeneration manager, said the work should improve transport links for residents and businesses. “In addition, this work should bring benefits to the local economy,” she said.