RESIDENTS are worried about increasing volumes of traffic making its way over a 'Postman Pat' bridge in a village near Worcester. 

Tibberton residents fear potential plans to build 100 new homes in the village will lead to the 'inevitable' collapse of the Grade II Listed canal bridge. 

Drivers already take a detour through the village when there is heavy traffic but the bridge is very tight and cannot handle huge volumes of traffic. 

Chris Mowbray has lived in Tibberton for over 40 years and said the village can look "like Birmingham" when the traffic is particularly heavy. 

"The bridge itself is crumbling and all the mortars are coming out.

"It's not imminent, but the bridge collapsing is inevitable if it doesn't have less traffic driving on it. 

Worcester News: Tibberton Bridge is very narrow and Grade II listedTibberton Bridge is very narrow and Grade II listed (Image: Google Maps)

However, some villagers fear there will be an increase in traffic as a plan to build new homes was put forward by ‘luxury’ developers Mactaggart and Mickel last year. 

Mr Mowbray, age 77, said: "It will be a disaster, it's a terrible place to build a hundred homes.

Worcester News: Tibberton Bridge: Residents are becoming worried about trafficTibberton Bridge: Residents are becoming worried about traffic (Image: Worcester News submission)

"It is amazing that we don't have many accidents there. 

"It is diabolical and frustrating. 

"Why should we have more homes?"

Traffic is an issue in the village when there are major crashes or disruptions on the M5 and A38 as well as neighbouring roads. 

And some of the residents refer to the bridge over the Worcestershire and Birmingham canal as the Postman Pat bridge because of the shape of the bridge.

Mr Mowbray said: "The bridge isn't looking very happy. 

The roads in Tibberton are quite narrow and typically have space for one car. 

"The roads are already used as a rat race for people who want to avoid the traffic between Worcester and Droitwich."

Ian Doust, National Highways programme development manager, said: “We fully understand the concerns of residents.

"When we do have to close the M5 unexpectedly, we have clear a diversion route in place with signage advising of the most suitable route back to the motorway.

"These routes are agreed in advance with the local authority and we’d always encourage motorists to follow them as some roads are unsuitable for HGVs.”