ANGRY parents have hit out at a housing developer after claiming their "dangerous" roadworks in Barnt Green have led to school children "nearly being run over".

CALA Homes began work for new million pound houses on Fiery Hill Road on Monday, January 9, having agreed with the council to the road closure, diversion routes and signage.

Parents say the works and no clear route to walk have led to children "balancing on rocks and nearly being run over" trying to catch a school coach from neighbouring Hewell Road.

Michelle Marsh, 44, Blackwell Road, whose two sons attend South and North Bromsgrove High Schools, said: "It is so dangerous. There is no route to walk.

"There is a diversion on Cherry Hill Road which is quite narrow and dangerous.

"There have been reports of children balancing on rocks and nearly being run over trying to get the coach.

"My boys went to get the coach at about 8.20am and the village was grid-locked because of these works. They struggled to get across and the cars were bump-to-bump.

"My friend’s children go to the school as well and she was horrified when she saw how dangerous it was. Everyone is up in arms about it as it is not safe."

Worcestershire County Council called an urgent meeting with the developer after admitting they were unhappy not all safety measures had been implemented.

Cllr Marcus Hart, cabinet member for highways, said: "Various works in Barnt Green are being carried out by CALA Homes as part of their new residential development.

"They comprise a new sewer connection, a realignment of Fiery Hill Road to improve visibility at the junction of Bittell Road and the creation of a new car parking area.

"All of these have been agreed through the planning process.

"Officers from County Council have previously met with the developer to agree the method of works, the road closure and the diversion routes and associated signage.

"We are, however, not happy with the current situation.

"Not all that was agreed has been implemented and we have arranged an urgent meeting with the developer and their contractor to rectify matters."

Bosses at CALA Homes insist they have carried out all agreed safety measures.

A spokesman said: "The vehicle and pedestrian diversions routes were chosen by the Highways Department of Worcestershire County Council and we have adhered to the plans agreed.

"Signage and diversions are in place around the roadworks, which we would urge pedestrians and drivers to obey.

"We have held an additional meeting on Wednesday morning with members of the council's Highways Department and have agreed to a number of additional measures over and above those originally agreed.

"These include increasing the size of the signage on the vehicle routes and providing additional directional signage for pedestrians.

"We are working with the council to implement these measures as a matter of priority."

Parents say coach operator, Kev’s Coaches, have agreed to pick pupils up from Blackwell Road if the issue persists. The works are set to be completed on March 6.