PLANS to carry out major improvement works on main roads in Bromsgrove have been announced in Worcestershire County Council's latest Local Transport Plan (LTP).

The report sets out the council's transport policies and strategies for 2017 to 2030, and will replace the previous LTP for 2011 to 2016, which delivered Bromsgrove's new £24million train station.

The 58-page proposal includes 'major' plans for a junction enhancement scheme on the M42 in Lickey End and another for a 'strategic corridor' to be constructed on the A38 between Lydiate Ash and Hanley Turn.

The latter is expected to receive conditional approval in April next year, and includes a series of junction enhancements where delays and congestions are currently a problem.

Catshill and Marlbrook could also see a 'comprehensive, integrated off-road network' introduced, to link residential areas with schools, rail stations, town centres and employment locations. This would include surfacing, signage, lighting and public realm improvements in the area.

If the plan is implemented, car parking spaces at Bromsgrove Station could be increased and the dual track between Bromsgrove and Droitwich Spa may be reinstated.

The council's Cabinet today agreed to launch a public consultation on the draft plan, which will run from December 22 to March 17 next year.

Worcestershire County Council hopes the LTP will support local district councils' Local Development Plans, which predict 7,000 more dwellings will be built in Bromsgrove in the next 13 years.

Cllr Ken Pollock, cabinet member for economy, skills and infrastructure, said: "We have a strong track record of delivering high quality transport schemes across the county, such as the current improvements to the A4440 Southern Link Road and construction of the new Hoobrook Link Road and Bromsgrove Railway Station. Our vision of a prosperous Worcestershire is reliant on the planning and delivery of an efficient, affordable and multimodal transport network."

To view the Local Transport Plan in full, click here.