A DROITWICH landlord has said residents should ’embrace’ the Birmingham Velo Cycling Event when it comes through the town on September 24.
And Simon Berry, from the Gardeners Arms, has even got a street party planned for residents living in Vines Lane to welcome the riders as they pass through.
On the day there will be live music from 11am which will be hosted by Sally Halsall, a well-known singer on the Droitwich circuit.
There will also be other local acts performing, including soloists Darren Hands and Emmie Hands, violinist Delyth Parton, guitarist and singer Matt Bough, 80s duo President and the renowned Skabucks – Dave and Spoz, aka Giovanni Esposito.
All Vines Lane residents will receive two pulled pork rolls per household on the day, courtesy of the Gardeners Arms.
There will also be the Flamin’ Rooster Barbecue hosted by Deliciously Squared Catering and there will be an outside bar, along with all the usual real ales and ciders that the popular pub offers.
There were concerns about access to the pub but Mr Berry has been in touch with the organisers and there will be a stewarded crossing outside to ensure revellers’ safety.
A number of local companies will have stalls on Vines Lane on the day, including the Unlimited (Mobility) Company, The Missing Link bike shop and Street Prestige (4×4 bike carriers) Cars.
There had been complaints from some residents in some areas about the event because of road closures.
Mr Berry told The Standard he could not understand the opposition as it was just for one day and promised to be a great occasion for the town and other areas on the route.
“We don’t get that many events like this coming to Droitwich so I think everyone should embrace it.
“It will be a great atmosphere and day for cycling fans and other spectators to enjoy.
“We want to help everyone make the most of the occasion and enjoy it.”
The bike race will lead to road closures from 8am to 3.15pm on the day in some areas of Wychavon district, including Droitwich and Ombersley.
Among the closed roads will be Holt Fleet (A4133) to the Ombersley Crossroads and the High Park Roundabout, Ombersley Way to the Ledwych Road roundabout, the island itself, Salwarpe Road from the roundabout to the Kidderminster Road roundabout, Kidderminster Road to (including the roundabout) to Vines Lane and then Vines Lane and its service road.
Bromsgrove Road will also be shut from Vines Lane to Crutch Lane, Crutch Lane itself from Bromsgrove Road to Dodderhill Road and Dodderhill Road between Crutch Lane, Bays Meadow, Elmbridge Lane, Crown Lane and Swan Lane.
Berry Lane will also be closed from Swan Lane in Upton Warren to Kidderminster Road where the race will then enter the Bromsgrove District.
