Worcester traffic and travel will improve over Christmas thanks to roadworks embargo

There will be no non-essential major roadworks taking place on major city centre roads throughout the whole of December.

Worcestershire Highways hopes that Worcester's shops, bars and restaurants as well as festive events such as the Victorian Christmas Fayre will benefit from the Christmas time embargo.

It comes after a difficult 2020 festive period for the city centre when the covid pandemic lockdown made trading difficult for businesses.

The embargo will run from Friday, November 26 until Monday, January 3.

Jon Fraser, head of Worcestershire Highways, said: “I am pleased to share details about the roadworks embargo on major routes around Worcester in the run-up to the festive period which should help all local motorists as well as visitors to the city for the Victorian Christmas Fayre and Christmas shopping in general.”

Emergency works will still take place if necessary such as water and gas leaks.

The news has been met with delight by one organisation who said Christmas 2021 trade was crucial for some businesses survival.

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Samantha McCarthy of Worcester BID said: "We welcome the positive news to embargo all major road works over the Christmas period.

"The last 18 months have been so difficult for the businesses and this will allow for them to have the best chance of making up for the lost trade in 2020.

"Christmas trade is crucial and can make the difference to whether a business can be still trading in January and February.

"This Christmas Worcester has so much to offer with the Christmas Fayre, light switch on event and over 68 per cent independent businesses to make sure you find that perfect present this Christmas."

Worcestershire Victorian Christmas Fayre will be bringing festive stalls, fairground rides and entertainment to the city centre from Thursday, December 2 to Sunday, December 5.