Work on the first phase of the St John's congestion relief scheme in Worcestershire is to be completed before the end of this month.

Improvement works in St John's will pause over the Christmas period from the start of December in order to give local businesses some construction free weeks at their busiest time of year.

Works will resume in early January with the scheme due for completion in March.

Throughout December, the majority of traffic management in the area will be removed, with a minimum amount remaining until the works restart.

Councillor Alan Amos, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Highways said: "We're ahead of where we expected to be with the scheme and as such, we’ve been able to move some of the planned works forward from early next year. This has enabled us to move offsite for a number of vital weeks to give local businesses, and residents, some time off from construction at this important time of year.

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"Work on the scheme has been progressing well with big improvements already visible in the area. On the north side of the footway, blockwork enhancements have been completed and you can really see how much better this side looks.

"Once the south footway is finished, along with all the other improvements being made, including two lanes of traffic all the way from the roundabout to the Malvern Road turn, residents and businesses will be able to see and feel the full benefit of this very important scheme to relieve congestion and visually improve the area."

Works on the final phase include; completion of the southern footway, installation of a large drainage attenuation tank to hold run-off water, utilities works, kerbing throughout the scheme, further improved pedestrian crossing facilities and upgraded intelligent traffic signalling to optimise efficiency.