A CAMPAIGN group has controversially hit out at people calling for a Northern Relief Link Road around Worcester - calling them "numpties" who risk "destroying the environment".

Claines Action Group claims a move by Worcestershire County Council to rule out any chance of completing the city's ring road until after 2030 is "one of the best decisions in years".

The group also says council chiefs have told them a massive new link in north Worcester would unwittingly result in "thousands of houses" being built nearby, as only property developers could afford to stump up the sums needed to put the road in place.

It comes as senior figures at County Hall yesterday put the estimated costs for building the link at a staggering £130 million.

The council has also backed up the campaigners by revealing north Worcester would become largely "industrial and residential" in the event of any link ever going ahead.

For many years a growing band of vociferous residents and councillors from all parties have been calling for a northern link - a plea which has been getting steadily louder.

Terry Sims, from Claines Action Group, said: "In Worcester we've now got these armchair commentators everywhere who don't seem to realise the consequences of a northern link.

"It would be a complete disaster - private developers will have to pay for it, and with that will come a heavy price.

"The only people that will really benefit will be those trying to drive from Hallow to Blackpole.

"People have this 'blue sky' perception about it, you've got armchair commentators who say 'we must get a northern link'.

"But all it will do is give developers chance to build in that circle, actually creating thousands upon thousands of new car journeys - it won't be anything like what people think.

"It would destroy the environment too. We are delighted with what the council are saying."

As your Worcester News revealed on Wednesday, a new report for Wychavon District Council has revealed how highways experts at the council say a northern link is not needed until beyond 2030.

Up to 28,370 new homes could be built in south Worcestershire by then under a blueprint created by all three district councils.

The stance has caused widespread anger, including from Labour St John's councillor Richard Udall who called it "disturbing" this week.

But Councillor John Smith, cabinet member for highways, yesterday said: "Our priority is to do the work we've already identified, focusing on routes like the A4440 Southern Link Road.

"The northern link is not a priority, if we get one that northern 'bund' will only become more residential and industrial."