STOKE Prior villagers are angry after highways chiefs rejected their calls for traffic calming on Fish House Lane.

Worry that trucks from Saxon Business Park are using the lane as a back route to the M5 is growing.

The parish council met last Monday night and expressed their dissatisfaction with the response from Highways Partnership manager Jon Fraser.

Mr Fraser said the requested 30 mile per hour speed limit and weight restriction were not needed, and that there was not enough police power to enforce such restrictions.

Cllr Roger Moule, an ex-police officer, said: "I think that's a ridiculous statement. The restriction would provide a deterrent to the lorry drivers who use the lane as a rat run."

He added: "It's only a matter of time before someone is killed. The Highways Partnership is burying their heads in the sand."

Cllr Thelma Roll, chairman of Stoke Prior Parish Council, said: "I think we should have some of the flashing 30mph lights, like they have in Fairfield."

The parish council resolved to pursue the matter and keep fighting for traffic calming to be introduced.

District councillor and chairman of the district council, John Tidmarsh (Con - Stoke Prior) said: "I have suggested a meeting between the Stoke Prior business association and the parish council. There's got to be co-operation on all sides," he added.

The parish council will invite Jon Fraser to its next meeting.