West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin visited Pendock’s popular village store to discuss the impact of the M50 roadworks on the local community. Pendock has seen more than five years of road diversions and delays as Highways England has carried out essential maintenance work on the motorway which runs through the village. The MP chatted to business owner Yvonne Baker as well as receiving a briefing from the team carrying out the current set of works on the M50. Work on the M50 is expected to be concluded early next year but the team has promised that there will be no further overnight closures of the motorway, forcing through-traffic onto the quiet country lanes. Harriett commented: “The good news is that the Pendock village store is still serving the community despite the major roadworks which have meant diversions in the area for over five years. “I’ve spoken to Yvonne about the challenges she is facing – particularly as she has had to deal with road closures affecting her trade since 2014. “The M50 is 60 years old and it is essential that work is carried out but I have been concerned about the impact these, and the previous roadworks, has had on the local community. “I’ve formally raised my concerns with Highways England and I am pleased to see that they are now working closely with the community to ensure that people and businesses are not seriously impact by the motorway closures and diversions. “I am pleased that I was able to gather the team who are managing the project to chat with Yvonne. The message to get out there is that the store is fully open for business and we look forward to seeing the work concluded very soon.” ENDS Photo: Pictured outside Pendock Village Shop (l-r) Chris Jones, Mel Daintith, Luke Marsland, Elisabeth Bainbridge, Yvonne Baker Gary Quinton, Harriett Baldwin MP, Dave Lynch.