WORK to open up a pedestrianised Kidderminster town centre street to traffic will start next month.

Contractors will move on to Worcester Street towards the end of October, as part of a £2million regeneration scheme being funded by both Worcestershire County and Wyre Forest District Councils.

Bosses hope the work will increase footfall in Kidderminster and boost economic development in the town centre.

It is part of ongoing works to regenerate the town centre which has included a raft of public realm improvements.

As well as opening up the route to vehicles, work will include improved paving, replacing existing steps and planning areas along Worcester Road and Coventry Street, installing new seats and bus shelters as well as the installation of modern lighting. Cycling routes will also be improved to connect the town centre to the railway station.

A bid for further funding has also been submitted to the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership.

Councillor Chris Rogers, Wyre Forest District Council Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Planning, said: “This is the second phase of the improvements to Kidderminster town centre following the £2m invested in partnership with the County Council to improve the public realm in Vicar Street, High Street and Exchange Street.

"The District Council is committed to improving the town centre through works such as these and through the regeneration of the Lion Fields sites as part of the transformation of the town centre offer to support businesses and increase footfall.”

Councillor Ken Pollock, Worcestershire County Council's Cabinet Member for Economy and Infrastructure, added: "The works being proposed in Worcester Street will certainly improve the look of the area, but importantly the scheme will encourage regeneration in the town and support economic growth by delivering better access into and through Kidderminster town centre for pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles."

Artist's impressions and information about the scheme will go on public display at the town's library from Monday, September 10 until October 5.

Officers from the County Council will also be present at Kidderminster Market on September 13 and 20 to answer questions about the work.

People can find out more at www.worcestershire.gov.uk/wsk or send comments to majorprojects@worcestershire.gov.uk.