A major road improvement scheme aimed at reducing congestion in Pershore takes a step closer today after £5 million was earmarked for the project in this week's budget. The project will still require additional funding from Worcestershire County Council but the part-funding from the Regional Growth Fund followed extensive lobbying by West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin and neighbouring MP Nigel Huddleston, Wychavon District Council, Worcestershire County Council. The new link road connecting the town to the A44 has been debated for many years but this year the scheme formed part of a successful bid put together by the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership. The two MPs were, last year, briefed on the plans for the new link road which will help ease traffic for lorries and commercial vehicles towards the motorway network. Harriett commented: "I back this scheme which has been discussed for many years and has now attracted the relevant funding to make it deliverable as part of a local growth deal. "The link road is part of an important plan to help attract more business to the town while making journeys easier for motorists at all times of the day. It will also help take pressure off the Pinvin crossroads. "Alongside this bid, I will continue to work with the local authorities and the Department of Transport to press for improved capacity at Pershore's train station especially car parking to encourage more people to use the train where possible." Photo: Flashback: MPs Nigel Huddleston and Harriett Baldwin are briefed on the link road bid by Wychavon District Council's Phil Merrick.