TRANSPORT strategists have been accused of riding roughshod over democracy in southern Worcester.

Residents determined to resist a traffic calming scheme being introduced around Red Hill Primary School were pleased earlier this year when Worcester City Council deferred the matter while county council colleagues studied the issues raised.

But Peter Green, from Battenhall Avenue, who has been fiercely critical of the traffic calming initiative, said he was dismayed at the county council's response.

"It appears the transport forum has decided to go ahead with a modified scheme regardless of the opposition of the people who will be affected," said Mr Green, who is considering whether to alert the Local Government Ombudsman.

"This makes a mockery of the supposed requirement to obtain consent of the people in the area and is an attack on local democracy of a most blatant kind."

He had objected to the plan, saying congestion in roads curbed drivers' speeds anyway.

The protesters felt features such as warning signs and road humps would clutter the streets and prove a waste of money.

But a county council spokesman said Mr Green had "interpreted procedures wrongly".

"The Forum is an advisory body comprising both city and county councillors," he said.

"Its role is to offer guidance to the transportation partnership manager, and isn't a decision-making body."

The spokesman said the forum had agreed unanimously to an amended scheme but a final decision had yet to be made by John Day, the partnership manager.

"In the light of some concerns expressed, we're reviewing earlier stages of the consultation process in detail and Mr Green has been notified of this already," he added.

Mr Day declined to comment.