Update on plans for new bridge and railway car park in Pershore

The work, which is currently expected to cost at least £3 million, would see a new ‘flow’ bridge installed at the town’s station in order to make way for a new and much-needed 300-plus space car park.

The “innovative flow bridge” would be built next spring if funding is approved and would lead the way for work to start on the new car park.

The curved ‘flow bridges’ are lightweight structures that have been developed in recent years by National Rail and are usually quicker to produce and cheaper to install.

Wychavon District Council’s executive board meets in Pershore next Wednesday (June 22) to discuss the major proposal.

A report, which will be discussed by councillors, said: “Improving parking at Pershore railway station is a current council priority and promise as the current number of spaces is extremely limited and deters rail users from using the station.

“Installing a footbridge and developing a large car park on the council’s land to the north of the railway track would encourage more residents to use Pershore railway station including those from a proposed new settlement.

“Reducing the use of private cars will have environmental benefits and will also make Pershore a more sustainable station in the future.”

The council is also set to spend £50,000 for surveys to be carried out over the summer so everything is in place to allow work to begin on the new car park after the bridge is installed.

The council said the new car park would also help serve at least 2,000 new homes that are set to be built around Throckmorton Airfield as part of a new town near Pershore alongside a new secondary school and two primary schools, shops and offices and acres of land for employment.

The new town would also likely include a new doctor’s surgery, a new police and fire station, a town hall, a leisure centre and sports facilities according to the much-delayed review of the South Worcestershire Development Plan (SWDP).