ROAD closures in Wyre Forest for a contentious cycling event have been invoked, after changes were made to the route following an outcry by people living and working along it.

Around 15,000 rider will descend on Worcestershire on Sunday, September 24, for Velo Birmingham – a 100-mile closed roads charity bike ride.

A revised route to take cyclists through 40 miles of the county’s countryside was announced in July.

Despite a flood of concerns from residents and workers, Worcestershire County Council has said there is no process for objecting to the order making the road closures.

In a statement, the council said: “There is no statutory process for objecting to the proposed order.

“On September 24, there will be road closures to ensure the safety of the 15,000 anticipated cyclists and public as this major sporting event passes through the areas of Wyre Forest District Council, Malvern Hills District Council, Wychavon District Council and Bromsgrove District Council.

“The event organisers CSM have already undertaken widespread public engagement and resolved or mitigated many potential problems and accordingly the county council intends to make the proposed road closures to support the major event.

“It recognises that this will cause disruption and the county council wishes to take into account seek to mitigate as far as practicable particular problems the event may cause.”

In the Wyre Forest district and surrounding areas, roads will be closed at various times from 6am to 3.30pm in Caunsall, Wolverley, Kidderminster, Bewdley, Stourport, Chaddesley Corbett, Dunley and Great Witley.

There are exemptions to the restrictions for emergency services, authorised event officials, safety officials and to enable pedestrian access to homes and businesses.

Any issues with the road closures that need resolving with the county council must be emailed to nrswa@worcestershire.gov.uk or copied to CSM route@velobirmingham.com.

Emails must be sent in by Monday, August 14, ahead of final decisions.

For a full list of road closures in Worcestershire for Velo Birmingham, visit worcestershire.gov.uk/directory/34/public_notices_directory.