A MOTION to review the feasibility of a Western bypass and investigate highways issues in Bromsgrove has been passed after receiving cross party support at the district council.

The motion was considered at the last full meeting of Bromsgrove District Council, held on July 16.

It was put forward by Councillor Luke Mallett, the leader of the Labour group, who proposed a similar motion to Worcestershire County Council earlier this month.

At the county council meeting that motion was defeated, with councillors saying it should go back to Bromsgrove District Council.

The motion put to the district council called for a wide ranging review of highways issues in and around the town, including a study to assess the feasibility of a Western Link road.

During the discussions Cllr Mallett said: "We have one of the worst transport infrastructures in Worcestershire.

"We are not asking them to do the Western link road, we ask them to look at the feasibility."

Roger Hollingworth said: "It is a very, very important motion.

"It takes next to nothing to gridlock Bromsgrove. It needs looking at."

Bromsgrove District Council leader, Margaret Sherrey, who seconded the motion, said she welcomed it saying it would consolidate work already done.

Councillor Peter Whittaker succeeded in changing the motion so it read that the council is "extremely " concerned about infrastructure in and around Bromsgrove.

When a vote was taken the motion was passed unanimously. The passing of the motion means the group leaders and councillor Kit Taylor, the portfolio holder responsible, will now be writing on behalf of the authority to the county council to request the review.

After the meeting Cllr Mallet said: "I thank Cllr Sherrey for ultimately deciding to stand up against her party colleagues in Worcester to back this important issue.

“Everyone in Bromsgrove knows that our road infrastructure does not match up to the council’s plan to build thousands more houses in the next few years.

“For too long the two councils, Worcestershire and Bromsgrove, have not worked together effectively to plan for growth and as a result Bromsgrove has lost out. If nothing is done, we face gridlock.

"The time for action is now.”

• COUNCILLORS also passed plans for a revamp of Bromsgrove's market in High Street at the full council meeting.

It was recommended to purchase new stalls for £60,000, funded through reserves and balances.

The street market recommendations were passed through unanimously.