ROAD safety campaigners against plans to close off cross-over gaps on a notorious dual carriageway near Bromsgrove are claiming a victory this week - but the plan could still go-ahead.

The A491 - What Prices Lives? committee condemned a scheme by the Worcestershire Highways Partnership in Bromsgrove to close the right turns off the A491 at Belbroughton and Clent junctions and instead called for roundabouts.

Following a public inquiry last month, the Government inspector's report recommends the closure scheme should not be made before an "all-movements" junction, preferably traffic lights at Hartle Lane, is established.

A491 group spokeswoman Tricia Bradbury said: "We are very pleased because the inspector has asked for the order not to be made and we are now looking for a good solution.

"The best solution is still a roundabout at Clent and lights at Belbroughton."

In his report the inspector said there was an "urgent need" to close the gaps.

Partnership manager Jon Fraser said the inspector's view was essentially the same as the partnership's plans except the report expressed a preference for traffic lights rather than reducing the carriageway to a single lane at the Belbroughton junction.

A feasibility study is now underway and a detailed report will be prepared by the end of July.

Work could commence in the autumn.