A MULTI-MILLION pound bid to end the daily traffic misery endured by Pershore motorists has reached the end of the road after it was formally opened
The Pershore Northern Link Road will connect the to the A44 and bring to an end nearly two decades of debate about the much-needed scheme.
Civic dignitaries including MPs past and present were among those in attendance at the formal opening of the road which links the Pershore Trading Estate and the Keytec Business Park to the A44 allowing large vehicles and lorries to avoid the Pinvin junction and Station Road.
West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin hailed the completion of a near two-decade long effort to bring the road to life and said it would ‘unlock a new era of prosperity’.
“I supported the campaign to deliver this impressive project and I am confident the new road will also unlock new growth for the area creating new jobs for local people,” she said.
“I will continue to push for another bridge at the station that will allow more station car parking.
“It was also great to see the former MP for Mid Worcestershire, Sir Peter Luff, joining us to celebrate the new road as this was one of the projects that he lobbied so hard for during his time in Westminster.
“Every time I use the road, I’ll be calling it the Luff Link. It will make a huge difference to people in Pershore and as the MP for that area, I know of the huge difference this road is already making for local people.”
These works are part of the wider Pershore Infrastructure Improvements Scheme, which included the construction of a new cycle/footway on Wyre Road, as well as the installation of a new kerb line, enhanced drainage and additional streetlighting.
Coun Marc Bayliss, cabinet member for Economy, Infrastructure and Skills, said: “It’s great this brand-new road is open, and I hope people travelling within the area are really seeing the benefits it brings.
Leader of Wychavon District Council, Coun Bradley Thomas said: “I’m delighted our investment has helped make this long campaigned for road a reality. Both residents and businesses are already seeing the benefits of this project.”
The scheme, which supports economic growth and development in Pershore, received investment from the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership via the Government’s Local Growth Fund.
Gary Woodman, chief executive of the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “The opening of the Pershore Northern Link Road is a great achievement for the county and will help to provide better connectivity across the county for people, working, living or visiting Worcestershire.
Visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/pershore for more.
