MEMBERS of the Mid-Worcestershire and Vale Green Party have called for a shuttle bus and bike hire scheme to be introduced to help residents access the town centre while the Port Street roadworks are taking place in Evesham.

Work got underway earlier this month to make improvements to Port Street and at the Waterside/Port Street Junction, as part of county council’s plan to relieve congestion in the town centre.

A letter addressed to Worcestershire County Council has been signed by Bob Rhodes, candidate for Evesham South County division and Ed Cohen, Wychavon Councillor for Evesham South District Ward.

The letter says: “We welcome the improvements that are to take place to Port Street footpaths but we are very conscious that South of the river are densely populated neighbourhoods which generate significant traffic that uses Port Street to access the town centre.

“As a result of these road works over 22 weeks residents are cut off from their main access route to the town centre by car just at the point that retail and hospitality businesses are re-opening after lockdown.

“We call for a frequent interval, from 6.30am to 8pm shuttle bus to be introduced, with pick up from the Orchards, Lavender Fields, Broadway Road, Four Pools Shopping Centre which accesses the town centre via Port Street even during the full closure when it’s passage could be safely controlled past the worksites by a banksman or temporary traffic lights.

"It would take commuters to work, school children to Swan Lane, St Mary’s and Prince Henry’s and shoppers to the town centre retailers and hospitality outlets, thus reducing the need for car journeys.

“Secondly we call for the immediate launch of a bike (even e-bike) hire scheme, with pick up/drop off hubs at the Four Pools shopping centre, the town centre and more."

A spokeswoman for the county council said: “We can confirm we have received the letter.We are reviewing the proposals included in the letter and will respond when these have been considered.”

The letter has also been signed by Green councillors Julie Tucker, town councillor Evesham South Ward, Beryl Timbrell, town councillor for Evesham South Ward and Norbert Tucker, councillor for Bengeworth Ward.