A KEY part of Worcester is getting a major overhaul aimed at enticing in more shoppers and improving congestion.

A five-month revamp of Lowesmoor has just launched, with council chiefs vowing to make it “a critical link to the city centre”.

It includes:

- The removal of old bins, poles, barriers and signs down Lowesmoor to clear it of clutter

- Resurfacing down the route and the replacement of old kerbs

- A new zebra crossing over Sansome Walk at the junction with Sansome Street

- Resurfacing of the pedestrian guard rail at Trinity Gate and the central reservation at City Walls Road

- Resurfacing at the Lowesmoor/Pheasant Street junction

Worcestershire County Council did a consultation with traders over the project and say it was backed by the business community.

It does mean Lowesmoor will temporarily become one-way for the vast majority of the route, for cars heading into the city centre.

Work started this morning and will last until mid-September.

Trader Tony Linsey, who has owned The Alterations Centre for 17 years, said: “This area has been going downhill for years and it’s taken a long time for it to get to the state where something needs to be done.

“Because the road comes up so high, when it rains the water goes up the kerb and by our store, so that really needs looking at.

“It’s vital the road stays open because delivery lorries need to get down here.”

The council hopes the project will give Lowesmoor another shot in the arm following the development of the £75 million St Martin’s Quarter complex off City Walls Road.

Councillor Simon Geraghty, deputy leader and cabinet member for the economy and infrastructure, said: “I’m very much in favour of the scheme, it will really lift the quality of the environment.

“This is about lifting standards - there has been a feeling for some time that Lowesmoor needs improvement.

“With St Martin’s Quarter more people are going to that part of Worcester, and we hope this work encourages them to go into Lowesmoor, which will in turn benefit traders.”

The complex, anchored by Asda, has 284,000 sq ft of floor space and 26 units, with health chain Fit4Free, B&M and Costa Coffee among the first tenants to sign up.

A series of restaurants are also in talks about joining the development.