THE brakes have been put on drivers who speed through Barnt Green now the construction of traffic calming measures are under way in the village.

Construction of speed platforms began last month, much to the relief of residents who have campaigned for several years to make their village a safer place.

The improvements, which started on Wednesday, July 17, include "soft" approach ramps to platforms being laid near the junction of Sandhills Road and Hewell Road, and opposite the post office in Station Approach.

A further ramp will be placed opposite St Andrew's First School, in Hewell Road.

According to Worcestershire Highways Partnership's manager in Bromsgrove, Jon Fraser, speed cushions and the installation of a 20mph speed limit in the village centre will follow in the next couple of months.

He said: "The £60,000 scheme is well under way and we plan to be finished by the early autumn."

Bromsgrove district councillor, Ann Doyle (Con-Barnt Green), who has supported the residents' campaign to reduce the speed limit, is delighted with the new improvements.

She said: "The villagers have been campaigning very hard for several years to introduce these changes to slow down drivers and I think the speed bumps will be an enormous help, perhaps even more so than the 20mph speed restrictions."