BROMSGROVE county councillors are calling for a rethink on their recommendation for a Western Bypass in the town.

At Bromsgrove's last full council meeting on Wednesday, July 20 Cllr Luke Mallett, who represents Bromsgrove West, challenged the validity of the county council's report on the proposal, claiming it did not address the existing congestion on the town's roads.

Cllr Chris Bloore, who represents Bromsgrove South, invited Worcestershire's portfolio holder for economic growth Cllr Ken Pollock to personally visit the town to see the problems firsthand.

He said: "Anyone who lives or works in Bromsgrove recognises the significant problems we have with our road network.

"With property developers seeking to build thousands of homes on the Perryfields site, it is now vital we get a Western Bypass, otherwise our town will grind to a halt. That is why I have invited Cllr Pollock to visit Bromsgrove and rethink their hesitancy on investing in our infrastructure."

Cllr Pollock has since responded to Cllr Bloore's invitation. He said: "I fully intend to take up the offer of a visit to Bromsgrove. In the meantime, I am taking a look at all the information concerning this issue before making any further comment."

Bromsgrove County Council's suggestion for a western bypass to divert traffic to the A38 was first voiced in the 2004 Bromsgrove District Council Local Plan.

But the motion was defeated by Worcestershire County Council, with councillors saying it should go back to district councillors.

Plans for housing developments in Perryfields and Whitford Road have sparked hundreds of resident complaints due to the added pressure they will place on traffic congestion in the area.

Sidemoor resident David Cousins said: “Bromsgrove just doesn’t have the infrastructure to cope with the number of additional vehicles that will be on the roads as a result of this massive Perryfields development. Until they update the road network in Bromsgrove then they shouldn’t be building thousands of new houses.

“In the last 15 years, we have seen the Breme Park and Oakalls developments built, with more than 1,000 new homes, but with no improvements to the road system. Bromsgrove simply can’t cope and the situation is going to get worse, meaning more misery for road users.

“I am not convinced that the Western Bypass, which will divert traffic to the already congested A38, is the best solution, but something has to be done.”

Bromsgrove MP Sajid Javid says he has contacted Worcestershire Highway, Bromsgrove District Council and the Bromsgrove Society to discuss the issue.

He said: "We all know Bromsgrove roads can be a problem, particularly with increasing housing needs. It’s clear we need a solution with a long-term view.”