Worcester Extinction Rebellion is holding a protest on the city streets this weekend as part of a national ‘Reclaim the Streets’ action.

Activists will be out individually or in household groups claiming cycle lanes and footpaths by painting signs on roads and travelling by bike around the city this Sunday.

A spokesman said: "We aim to highlight the need to retain the people-friendly roads we have all enjoyed since the lockdown and invite local people to join this peaceful protest.

"Just use your right to exercise by walking and cycling along our marked routes, while remembering to stay physically distant from others,"

Chris Cooke from Bromsgrove plans to cycle all the way to Worcester on Sunday as part of the protest. He has adapted his bike trailer specially for the occasion to highlight the need for cleaner transport solutions.

Mr Cooke said: "The Covid crisis has given us an ideal opportunity to change our ways and deal with the climate emergency. We can’t afford to waste it and go back to the way we were."

The protest comes as the government has pledged to invest £2bn over the next 5 years in safer cycling. Although welcome, Extinction Rebellion say this is not enough.

The group is calling for Worcester County Council to change existing road improvement plans to prioritise public health and well-being as the UK lockdown is eased and to invest more in safer streets for walking and cycling.