A DOUBLE tragedy on the notorious A491 near Bromsgrove has led to renewed calls for safety improvements to end the 'carnage' -- a month before a public inquiry into a proposed scheme.

A motorcyclist and his pillion passenger were killed after the bike was in collision with an articulated lorry at the dangerous Clent junction last Tuesday afternoon.

It is the latest in a string of accidents on the bypass during the last three years. There have been 50 casualties and five deaths.

Clent Parish Council chairman Margaret Sherrey said: "Lives cannot keep being lost like this. It is carnage."

Two years ago, Worcestershire Highways Partnership in Bromsgrove put forward a £100,000 scheme to close off right turns along the dual carriageway, including the ones at Clent and Belbroughton.

Scores of residents and businesses objected and the A491 -- What Price Lives? committee was formed to oppose the scheme. It called for two roundabouts to be installed.

A two-day public inquiry is due to take place next month when an independent Government officer will make a final decision on the partnership's plan.