WORK to improve transport links in the Churchfields area of Kidderminster are now complete.

The completion of this important scheme, delivered by Worcestershire County Council, is a key milestone in the longer-term plan to introduce much needed housing in this part of the town.

Councillor Ken Pollock, Worcestershire County Council's Cabinet Member with responsibility for economy and infrastructure, said: "It’s great news that these works are now finished, and the transformation of the area is visible for everyone to see.

“The improvements made to the transport links will not only help to tackle congestion and improve traffic flow, they’re also an extremely important step towards further investment and much needed housing in the area.”

The finished Churchfields Highway Improvement Scheme now means there is a brand-new link access road from the A456 Ringway roundabout through to Churchfields. In addition, part of the road network has been converted into an A road, making the road and footpaths wider. The gyratory at Horsefair has also been redesigned and Blackwell Street has been made one-way allowing for better flow of traffic.

Work has also been completed to add a dedicated left in, left out junction, providing a new access route to St Marys Street off the Ringway.

Councillor Graham Ballinger, leader of Wyre Forest District Council, said: “We are delighted the highway works have been completed. This milestone now unlocks the next phase of the Churchfields project.

“In 2011, the district council put together plans to create the Churchfields Urban Village - where more than 200 new houses have planning permission to be built on the former Tomkinson Carpets factory site. The urban village will provide sustainable and affordable homes for our residents.

“It’s pleasing that the hard work of the district council bringing together funding partners, Worcestershire County Council and the private sector landowners is finally coming to fruition.”

The improvements to the Churchfields highway have been made possible with funding from Homes England, as well as a £1m investment from Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and £1.6m from Greater Birmingham Solihull LEP via the Government’s Growth Deal fund.

This fund has also helped to fund a number of other schemes in the Kidderminster area, and beyond, which have been delivered by Worcestershire County Council including the redevelopment of Kidderminster Train Station, town centre improvement works to Worcester Street and highways improvements in the Hoobrook area.