Growing congestion could leave town 'strangled'

Evesham residents say they have huge concerns about traffic congestion, with one adding that if it continues it will "strangle the town".

Ewan Morgan has lived in the town for three years and said: "Something has got to be done because if [traffic] increases at this rate, it will just kill off tourism and strangle the town."

Councillors have now called for an investigation to be launched over how to ease tailbacks. The town's congestion issues along High Street have been a growing concern over the last decade.

A notice of motion calling for a 12-month action plan to be drawn up is due to be discussed on Thursday by Worcestershire County Council.

"It's a thoroughfare for traffic that's heading through Evesham, heading somewhere else," Morgan said of High Street.

"It's a continual hotspot for diverted traffic, and I think that's the issue."

He often has to set off from his house earlier to beat the traffic which becomes worse during rush hour and school times, he said.

"We've lived here for three years and it's getting continually worse."

He added pollution caused by the traffic was another issue.

"It's a nightmare, it's kind of gridlocked when you drive into Evesham. I try and avoid it," nearby resident Suzette Loomes said.

Her drive into town should take eight minutes but it regularly takes her around 30 minutes.

"When I first moved here 30 years ago, it used to be a two-way system. Since then, it has got worse.

"More people are driving, the population has gotten [greater], but the infrastructure hasn't met with that kind of demand."

Councillor Sam Bastow, who represents the town, said: "For residents of Evesham, traffic is an almost daily battle with journeys regularly taking over 40 minutes to get from one side of the town to the other."

Pedestrian lights on High Street and Mill Street being one-way were two of the problems, his motion said.

He has also asked for a detailed plan to be put together listing potential solutions for easing traffic, the likely costs, and where the funding could come from.

Bastow said he has asked for reports about the traffic, but only ever been sent summary reports.

"They're dating back to 2018. Times have changed.

"We need a proper report done to suit modern times."

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