COUNCIL bosses are drawing up designs to improve the public spaces in Worcester Street.

The package of works will include a general overhaul of the area to improve the look and feel for residents, businesses and visitors. Surveys are also taking place to consider the feasibility of re-introducing vehicles to the street.

The work in Worcester Street forms part of Worcestershire County Council's public realm programme. The programme aims to enhance public areas across Worcestershire so that they remain attractive, vibrant places where people want to visit, shop and spend time.

Councillor Ken Pollock, county council cabinet member for economy, skills and infrastructure, said: "The public realm programme is vital to support local businesses and stimulate the county's economy.

"The work on Worcester Street is one of a number of schemes we are delivering across Worcestershire."

Councillor Marcus Hart, county council cabinet member for highways, said: "The scheme of Worcester Street will improve the immediate area and we look forward to work starting in early 2018."

Councillor Ian Hardiman, Wyre Forest District Council's deputy leader and cabinet member for planning and economic regeneration, added: "We are pleased to be working with our county colleagues on this next phase of improvements to Kidderminster town centre.

"We have just completed the transformation of High Street, Vicar Street and Exchange Street with the £2m public realm works and opening up Worcester Street to traffic is the next part of our plan to maintain the vitality of the town centre.

"Along with our plans for Lion Fields, getting more activity along Worcester Street is key to re-invigorating interest and increasing footfall in this overlooked part of the town."

The designs for Worcester Street will be shared with residents and businesses later this year and the scheme is planned to start in early 2018.

The scheme will be jointly funded by Worcestershire County Council and Wyre Forest District Council.

The public realm programme has already delivered improvements to a number of public spaces including Bromsgrove High Street, and Upper Broad Street, the Cornmarket and Angel Place in Worcester.

Work is also currently underway at Cathedral Square in Worcester, with schemes expected to follow in Redditch, Droitwich and Rubery.