WORK starts on Monday on a new cycle route from Birchen Coppice to Kidderminster town Centre.

Worcestershire County Council contractors will begin extending the existing National Cycle Network (NCN) Route 49 from Burlish Top at Birchen Coppice.

It goes from Birchen Coppice and reaches Brinton Park after crossing Sutton Park Road.

The route continues through Brinton Park, partly on a newly constructed path to Park Lane. From Castle Road it joins NCN R54 along the canal towpath to the town centre.

The route will give improved access by cycle to Stourport, Bewdley and the Wyre Forest.

The county council cycling strategy includes the provision of a network of cycling facilities to encourage people to consider cycling as an alternative to the car, particularly for short journeys.

Conservative councillor, Derek Prodger, the county council's cabinet member for the environment, said: "The network is specifically designed to avoid busy congested roads and create safer routes to encourage local people to consider cycling for short trips to work, school, the shops and for recreation.

"Cycling, whether for commuting or leisure, is increasingly seen as an important part of efforts to reduce congestion, pollution and to improve peoples' health and fitness."

The work will cost about £35,000, in addition to a £30,000 contribution made to Wyre Forest District Council for the improvement work in Brinton Park and will take up to six weeks to complete.