A BAN on vehicles and bicycles entering the pedestrianised city centre has been extended to cover 10am to 6pm every day, from the current 10.30am to 4.30pm.

Worcestershire County Council says this will provide a safer environment for pedestrians by keeping out vehicles and bikes during the busiest times of the city. The council also said it had consulted with businesses and gained their support for the ban.

Cllr Alan Amos said: “This measure is long overdue and will make the city centre not only much safer for pedestrians but also a much more enjoyable experience. This is particularly important at this time when we need to encourage people to get out and about in the High Street and spend money to keep businesses going."

He added: "There is absolutely no need whatsoever for any vehicles to be going through busy pedestrianised streets at these times.

"We have been working with the police as breach of these rules is a criminal offence.”