PLANS to build a footbridge and cycle path across the A38 in Bromsgrove have been shelved, but proposals for a controversial third southbound lane remain.

Campaigners against the Bromsgrove Route Enhancement Programme (BREP) said they are ‘delighted’ the bridge plans have been paused but it is not enough.

Bromsgrove central councillor, Josh Robinson, said the U-turn is down to the ‘tireless work of residents’.

“I am delighted that following work from residents, Cllr Siobhan Robinson and myself we have managed to stop the conservative plans for a bridge over the A38,” said Cllr Robinson.

“This was their plan, and without the tireless work of residents they would have carried on with it.

“The hard work though starts now, and we must lower the speed limit to 40mph on this stretch of road and create a wider space for pedestrians.”

Worcestershire County Council has also dropped plans to close the junction of School Lane and the A38, instead proposing to prohibit the right turn.

Cllr Robinson added: “I am dismayed that the conservatives have ran down the clock on School Lane and say they now have no time to re-consult the residents of Lickey End, an option they kept open originally.

“The fight is not over, and we are taking advice from officers at county on this.

“Let’s hope common sense prevails and local residents are listened to.”

Raymond Sanders of Birmingham Road said: “Prohibiting the right turn will still cause traffic, specifically at the M42 island which will cause more problems.

“It is just going to push the traffic further down the road.

“We need to move the traffic away from Bromsgrove, not into it! We need a western bypass.”

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Councillor Alan Amos, cabinet member with responsibility for highways and transport said the council has 'paused the development of the bridge scheme' to explore the possibility of other options.