DRIVERS have been told to expect an announcement next week on the latest plans to cut congestion at Powick roundabout.

Councillor Derek Prodger, Worcestershire County Council cabinet member for the environment, said officers were putting the final touches to the scheme.

It is expected to be without any traffic lights following negative comments about the proposal when the council held public consultation.

We reported on Monday that the original £1.3 million project, which included a new cycle and pedestrian footway, traffic signals and widening of the A4440 exit, was to be scaled down.

Coun Prodger said: "We have looked at all the comments and will make some amendments to the scheme, which we will make public next week.

"We will not put something up which does not benefit Worcester - and we have always said that when we are asked to consult on matters we will listen.

"The officers will put it together and send it out to all local councillors before we make an announcement.

"People have said they don't like the idea of traffic signals at Powick roundabout and I've always been concerned about lights too.

"In my opinion, too many traffic signals are not good for motorists, and it will cost a lot of money to have them installed. If we spend a lot of money on something and it doesn't work I'll be the first one to be criticised, so we won't do something unless we are sure it will work."

The new version is thought to cost less money than the original, but just how much less is being kept under wraps for present.

Most of the funding for the £1.3 million revamp would have come from the Govern-ment, which last December awarded the county council £800,000 towards cutting congestion at the roundabout.

Powick roundabout is one of the most congested in the county, and has been under consideration for a revamp for several years.