THE first part of a “high priority” plan to tackle congestion in a Worcester suburb has been put forward.

Worcestershire County Council has revealed plans to close off Bush Walk in St John’s for cars turning from Henwick Road and to create a larger public space.

The council wants to make Bush Walk one-way and link it with St Clement’s Close in front of Merrick House.

The closure of the road from the busy main road in St John’s would prevent accidents and make it safer for pedestrians, the county council said.

However, a new zebra crossing in Henwick Road has not been included in this plan.

READ MORE: New crossings in St John's as part of work to tackle congestion in Worcester

The public space in Bush Walk would be made by extending footpaths and a space for cars to turn around by Cripplegate House would also be installed.

Parking restrictions would also be put in place around Bush Walk. Footpaths next to the new link road would also be widened.

The proposed work in St John’s is part of a county council project to tackle congestion in a number of ‘hotspots’ throughout the city.

Work to install a new signalled crossing in Croft Road was completed in May and work to install new crossings, pavements and traffic lights in Sidbury finished earlier this month.

The improvements have been made possible because of a successful £3.2 million bid by Worcestershire County Council to the Department for Transport.

The fund is handed out to councils to tackle congestion points and boost productivity on local roads.

The county council expects the work to take around 12 weeks starting in November.