West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has welcomed news that the major road diversions around Pendock have been lifted in time for Christmas.

Bridge closures along the M50 have meant that local people have had to follow lengthy diversions and Harriett visited the village on several occasions last year to talk to local people about the impact of the latest roadworks.

The area has seen a series of road closures as Highways England carried out bridge and carriageway repairs along the M50 on the borders of Gloucestershire and Worcestershire.

The agency today confirmed that the diversions can be removed now that the three bridges are re-opened to traffic on schedule.

The work will continue next year but the removal of road restrictions will be a huge boost to local businesses and parents taking children to and from Pendock Primary School, next term.

Harriett commented: “I’ve kept a very close eye on the roadworks project and made a site visit during the summer where Highways England pledged to have the diversions removed before Christmas.

“The community has had to put up with a lot in recent years with a series of major roadworks being carried out along the M50. Although there will still be some temporary diversions early next year, the major route closures are now lifted making it easier for local people to get around.”