THE speed limit of a section of a busy Stoke Prior road has been lowered to 30mph, after an 18-month campaign to make the area safer for pedestrians.

Calls were made to reduce the 40mph speed limit on a section of the Hanbury Road which is well-used by dog walkers and residents.

Children heading to Stoke Prior First School also use the road to access the adjoining narrow country road Shaw Lane.

Worcestershire County councillor, Tory Alan Amos, cabinet member with responsibility for highways said: "The change in speed limits on Hanbury Road has been made in an effort to make the area safer for all pedestrians using the narrow country road but particularly children, some of whom may use this road to travel to Stoke Prior First School.

“As a council, we are dedicated to keeping pedestrians and vehicles safe on all roads, and changes in existing traffic regulation orders where necessary is one example of our continued commitment to road safety".

Councillor, Labour's Chris Bloore, was one of those calling for the change in speed limit.

He said: "I'm delighted that by working with local residents, council officers and the police we've started the process of making our roads safer.

"This new speed limit better reflects the narrow nature of the road and will hopefully give residents greater confidence in walking along the Hanbury Road.

"However, this is just the start and we have a lot more to do."