A CYCLIST has backed up claims that access to a footbridge over the Southern Link Road isn’t good enough.

Residents of the Pear Tree Fields development, off Taylors Lane, say their access to the Broomhall Way bridge is along a narrow lane with no pavements or street lights.

Developer St Modwen says it has started work on the footpath and this will be completed by the end of January next year.

Jeremy Davies, from Worcester, says residents are right to be unhappy about the current access on that side of the A4440.

“I can echo those concerns as to why access to/from the beautiful footbridge has been constricted,” he said.

“I use the bridge regularly as a cyclist on the Worcester Pedway route, but once you cross the bridge from the St Peter’s side you are confronted by construction fences which force you to ride through the new trading estate and then onto the busy Norton Road before entering Taylors Lane.

READ MORE: Residents demand better access to Broomhall Way footbridge

“This lane is in poor condition with overgrown hedges, several pot holes and some large puddles in recent times. It is unlit and not safe to walk along and poor for cycling.

“Cyclists should be able to avoid this hazard and people living in the new houses should be able to access the footbridge to access St Peter’s and routes into the city. Currently this is impossible, due to the route being fenced off.

“Considering all the hundreds of houses being built to the south of the crucial Southern Link Road, Taylors Lane offers very poor access in either direction.”

St Modwen has also said it hopes to finish work on a new playground at the development in time for Christmas.

County councillor Martin Allen has raised issues with the footpath with Worcestershire County Council.

He has also complained that the council’s on-demand bus service won’t stop to pick up passengers from Pear Tree Fields.

A county council spokesperson said: “We’re looking at options of how this area could be included within the coverage of the Worcestershire on Demand bus service and will continue to liaise with Cllr Allen.”