Bollards in one of Upton-upon-Severn's historic streets have been knocked down several times in 18 months by vehicles mounting the pavement.

They were installed to protect the Georgian bow window of a Grade II listed house, which had received a succession of heavy blows from lorries.

Each time, the damage was on the right hand side of the window, apparently caused by vehicles heading towards the town on the wrong side of the road.

Owner Keith Wright, whose house is in the narrowest part of Old Street, is well placed to observe the problems when lorries try to pass at a point where motorists frequently park on yellow lines.

"If you have one lorry going each way, you're in big trouble. I think they are going to need a one-way system," he said.

"It's the closing speed of vehicles coming towards each other that's the problem. When they get to the narrowest part they have to swerve to avoid each other.

"No one has hit my window since the bollards have been there, but far more importantly, no one has been hurt.

Pedestrians clipped

"Before we had the bollards, I had seen pedestrians clipped by vehicles on three occasions, but fortunately without any serious injury."

Two more bollards have since been placed on the opposite pavement, to protect pedestrians and buildings on that side of the street.

Highways engineer John Wallace, of Malvern Hills Highways Partnership, confirmed that the bollards had had to be replaced three or four times in 18 months.

"They were put in for a trial period, against some opposition, but everyone seems satisfied that they are doing their job," he said.

Recent complaints about vehicles speeding into Old Street from Tunnel Hill prompted the town council to enquire about possible traffic calming measures in December.

A traffic survey has now been carried out and Worcestershire County Council's accident studies team is currently preparing a report.

"We need to look at all possible solutions, but nothing will be done without full public consultation," said Mr Wallace.