Norton to become better connected to Worcester city

Funding has been approved by Active Travel England for a Diglis to Norton corridor, including two new 20mph speed limits.

Worcestershire County Council has been given £289,000 for the scheme. 

The scheme will connect the developing area of Norton with Worcester city and will cross the A38, Bath road, which is seen as a barrier to people trying to walk or cycle. 

There will be two 20mph speed limits on both Waverley Street and Norton Road, two toucan crossings along Bath Road and St Peter's Drive, dropped kerbs, a pedestrian crossing over Barneshall Avenue, upgraded bollards as well as new pedestrian signage along Norton Road. 

It will meet the criteria for Active Travel England, as it has the potential to generate significant numbers of new cycling and walking journeys. 

Worcestershire county councillor, Mike Rouse, cabinet member for highways and transport said: "The Active Travel Corridor was first raised to my attention by councillor Linda Robinson who took me to visit the parish council and understand the issues.

"As a result, we agreed to submit the proposals to Active Travel England for funding, and we are delighted to be have successful.

"We have been working closely with Active Travel England since its inception, and we know that a requirement of the grant funding is to ensure the works we carry out are to LTN1/20 standard, which is a very high standard for cycling, wheeling and walking infrastructure. 

"We are on a journey of improvement with regards to Active Travel in Worcestershire.

"Some of it is excellent, but some of it could be better. 

"We now work closely with the community via my Active Travel Stakeholder Forum, which has helped to transform our whole approach.

"I'm pleased this has been rewarded with a funding win from Active Travel England."

Chris Boardman, National Active Travel Commissioner said: "This funding will give communities in the West Midlands safer and more enjoyable ways to travel to school, work and the shops."