KEMPSEY residents have been lambasted after winning their battle to stop an increase in heavy traffic driving through the village.

An application from Alan Davis for permission to keep four goods vehicles and trailers at Unit 9, Brook End Farm, has been withdrawn.

It was due to be the subject of a public inquiry in June by the West Midlands Transport Commissioner.

But at a public meeting in the village last week a letter from Mr Davis, of Whittington, stating his intention to withdraw the application, was read out.

It contained a blistering attack on villagers and, in particular, the parish council, and also stated that he would now have to close that side of his business and make drivers, mechanics and office staff redundant.

"I hope that makes you all feel really happy and you can go home tonight with a clear conscience and a satisfied grin," he said.

"As everything you own and eat is transported by lorries, it is a good job everyone, everywhere, does not take your stance."

"I have been in business in the Worcester area for 40 years and no-one has treated me as abominably as you," he added.

"Kempsey Parish Council must be the most short-sighted, unreasonable and vindictive council in the whole of Worcestershire, and possibly the whole of the Midlands."

Mr Davis also gave them five bottles of spirits to raffle at the next village charity event because he wanted "some good to come out of this".

But David Harrison, from the parish council, said the bottles had been returned to him.

He cautiously welcomed the news that the application had been withdrawn.

But he said Department for Transport had not yet confirmed this or that the inquiry, due to take place at the Giffard Hotel, in Worcester, on Monday, June 9, had been cancelled.

"As far as we are concerned the inquiry is going ahead on that date," he said.