VILLAGERS near Tenbury who say they fear for their lives because of speeding cars and narrow roads believe the promise of extra signs is not good enough.

They are also unhappy that the village and Tenbury Town Council will have to pick up the bill for the new signs that will cost thousands of pounds.

Now villagers in St Michael's also want the police to mount speed traps to deter drivers who, they claim, take no notice of speed signs.

Eric Hudson, who represents St Michael's on Tenbury Town Council, says that there have been a number of near misses.

“We are told that we cannot have double white lines because the road is too narrow, that a mirror at a dangerous junction is not allowed and that a speed activated sign owned by the council is not available because it is broken.

“On top of this it seems the town council or local community will have to find the money for a problem that is not of our making.”

He said there are hopes of talks with local police in a bid to get speed checks.

“Motorists are more likely to slow down if there are consequences for their speeding and I am sure that checks would act as a deterrent,” said Eric Hudson.

“At the heart of the village, by St Michael's Church, there is effectively a crossroad. Traffic from Berrington Green and Lower Berrington, including large lorries from Frank Matthews tree nursery, stop at the junction.

“Because of bends in the road and a hill in the Leysters direction, oncoming traffic from each direction of the A4112, cannot be seen until vehicles are right on the junction.

“The junction is opposite to the entrance to St Michael's College, a school for international students. At peak times, the school can accommodate around 300 students so, it is a large campus with frequent movements of coaches, mini buses as well as staff and delivery vehicles.

“Students frequently walk along the local lanes as well as across Oldwood Common which has an unrestricted speed limit.

“The students are unfamiliar with British road conditions and can sometimes do the unexpected.

“When vehicles frequently exceed the speed limit this can lead to dangerous events.”

He said that calls for a 20mph limit have been rejected at least until a trial has been conducted in another part of the county early in 2017.

Ken Pollock, who represents Tenbury on Worcestershire County Council, has promised that action will be taken.

“Over the last couple of months there has been extensive investigation about increased signage in the St Michael’s area, to seek to reduce speeding though the village,” said Ken Pollock at a meeting of Tenbury Town Council.

“It has been agreed that an extra sign will be erected for westbound traffic at the far end of the common and that village gates will be installed at the 30mph limits.

“Most of this expenditure will need to come from Tenbury Town Council’s resources although I will be able to make some allocation from my divisional fund.

“These signs will work in conjunction with what we hope will be an increased police presence to apprehend speeding traffic, as well as extra painted signs in the road.”

But Eric Hudson says that villagers are worried about their safety and so don't feel that what is being promised is enough to tackle the problem.