A DEAD otter could be the tip of the iceberg for wildlife dicing with death due to traffic diverting through a Worcestershire village, a resident has warned.

While it is not the designated diversion route, Sally Harte says the closure of the B4080 at Eckington is sending “hundreds” of additional vehicles through Great Comberton each day with “many speeding”.

She said: “Otters living in River Avon at Nafford and Great Comberton leave river to forage for fish in surrounding area, visiting garden ponds.

“Three houses in Great Comberton have received such visits and otters have to cross over and back at the main road through our village. They are at risk from excessive traffic and one was killed last week."

The road closure is to connect a foul connection run to the sewers for new homes on the Pershore Road.

Sally said: “The diversion is set to go on for weeks. I contacted Spitfire Homes but had no response, Worcestershire Highways said there was nothing they could do when I requested road signage warning motorists.

“I want motorists to be made aware, I want them to slow down and to drive carefully, to pay heed to our wildlife. It's not just otters but we have a feral deer herd too and they can be seen on the roads.

“A great deal of buck passing went on to no end and then the first otter was found dead at the side of the road just outside the village and I find it very disturbing.

“There is no other route unless people go all the way round Bredon Hill (the official diversion route). It's the same when Eckington Bridge is shut due to flooding, all the traffic comes through the village.”

Worcestershire County Councillor Alan Amos, cabinet member with responsibility for highways, said: “We understand that due to a road closure in Eckington on the B4080 there has been increased traffic in the village of Great Comberton.

“This does not form part of the official diversion but we appreciate that those familiar with the area may choose to take this route as an alternative.

“We would remind drivers, as always, to take care and observe all road safety rules and regulations.”

A spokesperson for Spitfire Homes said the company is in the process of liaising with Worcestershire County Council with a view to assisting with signage but added that anything provided would have to be sanctioned by the authority.