RESIDENTS living on and near Barnt Green Road, in Cofton Hackett, are battling to have the speed limit reduced.

The current limit is 40mph and residents want this brought down to 30mph to reduce dangers to both pedestrians and motorists, and to improve the quality of life for residents.

The Advertiser has been flooded with letters from concerned residents, stating numerous reasons why the speed needs reducing, and their campaign has been given the backing of local police officer, Sergeant Carl Paskin.

Paul and Angela Spires, of Cofton Lake Road, said: “We have two young children and a double pushchair and the very narrow pavement on this road means we are travelling close to vehicles often travelling very fast. The pushchair has actually been clipped a couple of times by cars.

“We need to walk this stretch to get to Barnt Green, Lickey Hills or Cofton Park but because this road is so fast we are reluctant to do this and are now driving these short distances as we do not feel safe walking.”

The couple are also concerned about blind spots on the road, which have lead to numerous near-misses involving people trying to exit their roads onto the Barnt Green Road.

And letters stated that motorists were simply ignoring the sign which illuminates when they exceed 40mph and were travelling too fast for the conditions on what many called a “treacherous” road.

Jamie Curtis, of Lickey Coppice, added: “Some motorists seem to think they are at Silverstone.

“I think the speed limit should be reduced before someone is injured, or more likely killed.”

Bromsgrove MP Sajid Javid recently met with Mark James, who is fronting the residents’ campaign. He said: “Prior to meeting Mr James, I had received many letters with residents’ concerns.

“I have written to the county council and said I think they have a very strong case, and the council should take a serious look at this matter.”