VALE bypass campaigners claim that a fatal road accident only strengthens their case for a new road link.

Wyre Hill residents say the soon-to-be-built Wyre Piddle bypass will do little to ease the dangers and noise created by lorries driving past their homes as vehicles from the nearby Keytec 7 trading park use the road to reach the new bypass. Now, following the death of a cyclist last month in a collision with a lorry on Wyre Hill, they have stepped up the pressure for the so-called western bypass.

One resident, Dev Naraine, said: "We don't want to be overlooked. The situation hasn't changed and, if anything, it is going to get worse.

Residents have the backing of Wyre Piddle Parish Council and Pershore Town Council in their efforts to persuade Worcestershire County Council to find the estimated £1.5 million needed for the new road. Mr Naraine said: "Although the village itself will get a bypass, these houses here will have the same amount of traffic coming through.

"Nobody can use the road. I have two children here and I won't let them out there at all." Andy Jenkins, county project engineer said: "We are actively pursuing the extension of the road. We know there's a need for it.

"We just don't have the funds available at the moment."

Mid-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff, said the western bypass would be a great boon to Pinvin as well.