FOOT and cycle links between two University of Worcester campuses are to be improved as part of a sustainable transport project.

However, work to widen and create a new footpath on Croft Road and Grandstand Road, near Sabrina Bridge, will temporarily force pedestrians and cyclists to take a minor detour.

People are being warned that the footpath running along Croft Road car park will be closed off during the works, which will also include the installation of lighting.

The scheme is a result of section 106 money from the University of Worcester to improve sustainable transport links in the area.

Worcestershire County Council, responsible for highways and byways, has put the scheme, which is due to get under way next month, out to tender.

A council spokesman said: “The works will be funded entirely from section 106 money, which is to improve pedestrian and cycle links between the two university campuses – Henwick Grove and Croft Road – which is under construction.

“The two paths were originally to be done separately but to maximise value for money, the Croft Road path was delayed until the new path had planning permission and it will be closed during the works.

“The existing footpath along the edge of the Croft Road car park is to be widened to three metres to become shared use.

“This will link across Grandstand Road to a newly constructed three-metre tarmac path, again for shared use, which will link to the bottom of the Sabrina Bridge ramp.

“One new lighting column will be installed at the west end of the Croft Road footpath and the new path will also be lit.”

University vice-chancellor Professor David Green said: “We were very happy to commit £1 million to improve pedestrian and cycle facilities and other sustainable modes of transport in St John’s.

“We have already paid more than £100,000 for the pedestrian/cycle path and lighting which runs along the new bund to the Sabrina Bridge and look forward to these further works, which will provide more safe cycling and walking in Worcester.

“The university is committed to increasing the proportion of visitors who walk and cycle to its sites and runs a number of schemes to encourage this.

“Since September, a much-improved bus service on the old 31 route has been operating and we hope that local residents as well as staff, students and visitors to the university have benefited.

“We look forward to learning the results from the transport authorities and bus companies in due course.”

Work on the footpath scheme is due to start on Monday, February 8, and finish by Friday, March 19.