Road Closures For Mercian Regiment Parades

Motorists are being warned of road closures in Kidderminster and Bewdley tomorrow (Thursday 11 March 11 during parades by the 2nd Battalion Mercian Regiment.

Around 300 soldiers, plus a colour party and the regimental ram will feature in the parades to mark the return of troops from Afghanistan.

Temporary road closures have been granted by Wyre Forest District Council for the parades in both towns.

In Kidderminster the parade will start from Husum Bridge, Weavers Wharf, at about 11am. Roads which will be affected by the temporary closure order between 10.30am and noon are Vicar Street, High Street, Worcester Street, Marlborough Street, and Oxford Street.

These roads are mostly within the pedestrianised area of the town centre and will be closed on a rolling basis to minimise disruption to traffic.

At Bewdley part of the Dog Lane car park will be cordoned off from this evening (Wednesday 10 March) for the parking of military vehicles associated with the parade.

The parade there tomorrow gets underway from the car park at 2.30pm and will follow a route along Dog Lane, Dowles Road, Welch Gate, Load Street, passing St Anne's Church and the Guildhall where the mayor and civic guests will take the salute.

The parade will then turn into Severnside South before falling out at the civic space (formerly the bandstand). Road closures will also affect the High Street, Park Lane, and the river bridge. Traffic is expected to be affected for up to half an hour from the start of the parade.

Police are urging anyone planning to travel on any of the above roads during the parade times to consider an alternative route if at all possible to avoid unplanned delays. In Bewdley's case motorists are being advised to use the town's bypass at the relevant time.

Issued: Wednesday 10 March 2010