RESIDENTS and commuters are being urged to air their views on proposals to address traffic issues on Powick roundabout.

Highways officers have suggested a range of measures to help traffic flow along the A449 and A4440 south of Worcester, which include putting traffic lights on the island.

Following a series of public meetings in the last two weeks, Worcestershire County Council has proposed installing traffic management schemes on Powick roundabout when it undertakes refurbishment work on the Teme bridge.

We previously reported how work to stengthen the bridge will go ahead this summer leaving thousands of motorists to find an alternative route into the city.

The bridge will be closed from mid-July until the end of August to coincide with the school holidays and cause as little disruption to motorists as possible.

The bridge is used by 20,000 cars a day.

However, the old Powick bridge will be opened to provide a route for cyclists and pedestrians. Director of environmental services John Hobbs said: "We want to listen carefully to views of interested parties, and we have to stress that we have an open mind to any comments received. We will not carry out an expensive scheme which ultimately delivers only a marginal benefit.

"We are looking for ways to value engineer a scheme which delivers benefits.

"As well as residents, we are also consulting with leading national experts over this scheme."

To comment on the proposals visit the county council's consultation section of its website at www. worcestershire.gov.uk/askme