HOMEOWNERS have been left with views of diggers, machinery and a busy construction site after vegetation was cut down.

The residents are unhappy that greenery between their homes in St Peter’s, Worcester, and the major works on the A4440 Southern Link Road has been removed.

Members of St Peter’s Parish Council discussed the matter on Monday evening (February 23), outlining the concerns raised by people living to the north of Broomhall Way on the stretch between the Ketch island and Norton roundabout.

Councillor Mike Johnson said: “Some vegetation was removed and this effectively meant that the road was far more visible from some houses.

“Planting is taking place in that area however and hopefully fairly quickly it will look a lot better than it does now.”

Members of the parish council also discussed the upcoming project on the Norton roundabout and expressed reservations that about eight trees and a number of shrubs on the island would be removed.

A spokeswoman for Worcestershire County Council however explained that tree replanting and landscaping would take place once the “largest improvement scheme of its type for a generation” was completed.

She said: "More than £40 million is being invested to upgrade junctions and dual-track the length of the A4440 Southern Link Road from the Ketch to Whittington, which is one of the busiest routes in the county used by more 30,000 vehicles each weekday.

"Phase two, which includes improvements to the Ketch roundabout and road widening to allow two-lane traffic both east and westbound from that point towards Norton, is continuing to progress well and is on track to be completed in early summer.

"The work now taking place in and around the Norton roundabout is of a preparatory nature ahead of the £33 million phase three starting this summer, which will be the largest improvement scheme of its type for a generation.

“This will includes completion of the dual-tracking from Whittington to the Ketch roundabout, a new bridleway bridge suitable for pedestrians, cyclists and horse-riders and a new rail bridge spanning the widened route.

“The Norton roundabout will be improved and made larger. The edges of the road will be reinstated as grass.

"We never take a decision to remove trees or vegetation lightly and these improvements to ease congestion on this key strategic route will include a programme of tree replanting and landscaping as works progress."