CONCERNED Ombersley residents have set up a petition calling for action over a fatal stretch of road which claimed the lives of two young men last year.

Peter Luff, MP for Mid-Worcestershire, presented a petition of 415 signatures to Archie Robertson, chief executive of the Highways Agency, last Tuesday. It highlights the need for improved safety measures on the A449 between the Claines roundabout and Ombersley.

Local resident Wendy Coggan has been leading the petition and is keen to see the speed limit reduced to 50 mph, particularly in the light of a collision last December, when Michael Jennings, 22 and William Hall 19 died on the A449 road between Ombersley and Crossway Green.

Mr Luff has also presented evidence that the loss of life identified in the recent safety study underestimates the danger of the road because it ignores accidents, including at least one fatality near Kings Hawford school, before the five-year study period.

"Mr Robertson was sympathetic and listened carefully to what I said. I expressed concerns that the agency had not been prepared to listen to the fears of local people, but I was reassured by his thoughtful response to what I said," said Mr Luff.

"The agency has a budget that is, by definition, limited, but I am confident it understands the seriousness of local people's concerns and this should help to push the necessary improvements up its agenda," he added.

The Highways Agency has announced minor work will be carried out and the current speed limit will not change.

Resident Wendy Coggan said: "We are appealing for the speed limit to be reduced to 50mph to help prevent further loss of life.

"The Highways Agency has shown little regard for human life or the standard of living by announcing it is only going to carry out minor changes or change the speed limit."