A viewpoint offering spectacular views of Worcestershire has opened just in time for Bonfire Night.

The Ketch viewpoint offers panoramic views of the Powick Hams, Worcester and the Malvern Hills, as well as the improvements made as part of Worcester’s A4440 southern link road scheme. 

The car park alongside the viewpoint has been fully refurbished and has now also been reopened.

With firework displays taking place across the county this weekend, the viewpoint will offer a great vantage point to those not going along to an event.

READ MORE: Cyclists celebrate opening of new Carrington Bridge cycle lane

Councillor Marc Bayliss, cabinet member with responsibility for economy, infrastructure and skills, said: “This is yet another great improvement delivered by Worcestershire County Council, as part of the Southern Link Road works.

“This scheme has delivered so much, from the dualling of the road to enhancements made for cyclists and pedestrians.

“It’s clear to see the impact these works are having in and around Worcester and this viewpoint will give people an ideal opportunity to see these improvements in action, as well as taking in some fantastic views of our beautiful county.”

Ketch viewpoint to get improved information panels

Later this year, improved information panels will be installed at the viewpoint, providing more information about the landscape, wildlife and historical features on view.  

The boards will also provide details about significant battles that took place in the area during the English Civil Wars; the Battle of Powick Bridge, 23 September 1642 and the Battle of Worcester, 3 September 1651.

Before work started, the Worcestershire Achieve and Archaeology Service carried out excavations in the area, finding more than 40 musket, carbine and pistol balls, military equipment, horseshoes, harness fittings, coins and buckles.   

These new panels replace the previous ones that had begun to look tired and were out of date.

READ MORE: A4440 Southern Link Road underpass called creepy

The A4440 Southern Link Road scheme has seen the construction of a fully dualled road between junction 7 of the M5 and Powick Roundabout, to help tackle congestion and improve journey time reliability in and around Worcester.

Three new bridges and an underpass for pedestrians and cyclists have also been constructed, together with the improved shared-use path along Temeside Way.

Battenhall Railway Bridge has been extended, a farm access bridge has been replaced, two pedestrian crossings have been improved and street lighting has been upgraded, as well as the addition of a flood mitigation area.