BROMSGROVE street theatre's move to its new, more spacious location has proved a big success.

Hundreds of visitors voted with their feet on Wednesday when they turned up to watch the performances on the Recreation Ground.

The district council, which organises the activities on Wednesdays throughout August every year, decided to bring down the curtain on the final two performances on the piazza in front of the Market Hall.

Officers said the popular, free shows continue to attract large audiences and a point had been reached when more space was necessary.

The council had also taken on board complaints from some traders and business owners.

They were upset that the closure of a stretch of St John Street while the performances were going on caused traffic snarl-ups.

Council leader Cllr Nick Psirides (Con, Norton) said: "The new locality for street theatre has proved a great success, and the traffic problems have been eased as a result of the move.

"A lot of people enjoyed themselves in the sunshine. They stayed on for a while after the show finished." It is expected the Recreation Ground will now be used for all street theatre activities next year.

Today sees the climax, with non-stop fun all day from 10.30am through to 4pm.

The acts will feature, among others, Heir of Insanity with their thrilling trapeze act, the Grand Theatre of Lemmings plus puppetry and clowning by Fair Play. There will also be performances and displays by young people from the Bromsgrove area.