HIGHWAYS bosses have been surveying land around Worcester to assess the likely impact of completing the city’s ring road, as a final decision looms near.

Worcestershire County Council has confirmed it recently carried out ecological studies in areas such as Hallow and Broadheath before the publication in November of a massive package of proposals to improve transport in Worcester over the next decade.

Earlier this summer, we revealed a draft version of the council’s Worcester Transport Plan, which includes the dualling of the A4440 southern link road, a second city centre road bridge, several park-and-ride sites, railway stations at St John’s and possibly Norton, and miles of bus and cycle lanes.

But the crunch question of whether it will also include a north-west link road from Crown East up to Claines – so completing an orbital route around the city – is yet to be answered.

Major transport schemes require Government funding, and county highways officers have said a link road would be unlikely to receive support as their computer models showed it would not prove value for money.

Housing experts have also warned a completed ring road could lead to Worcester becoming a ‘dormitory town’ for commuters working in Birmingham and Bristol.

But the strength of public support has led key politicians to back the scheme including the county’s cabinet member for transport Derek Prodger, and Worcester MP Mike Foster.

The news that wildlife studies were recently undertaken shows the issue is now being considered seriously at County Hall.

A county council spokesman said: “Officers have been carrying out extensive technical work for almost two years on a number of proposed transport schemes.

“As part of this investigation work an ecological survey has been carried out to assess and record what wildlife and type of habitats are present.

“The results of the surveys have been assessed and are being considered along with other evidence. This will be presented to the council's cabinet in November.”