TRAFFIC bosses and traders are set to work together to stop cars speeding past a Bromsgrove school.

Last Wednesday night business-owners in Broad Street, Sidemoor, met with Worcestershire County Council's Highway Partnership manager, Jon Fraser.

Residents, including parents of children at Sidemoor First School, also turned up in force to discuss proposals, which include a chicane system down the road and speed platforms along it which traders fear could ruin their livelihoods.

At the meeting, Mr Fraser explained the district had been allocated £30,000 of Government cash to be spent on a safer routes to school scheme. The cash had to be used by March 2001.

Trader Colin Fry, of Focal Image, said cars wouldn't use Broad Street and would use other routes to avoid the traffic calming measures.

He added if they went ahead he may as well shut up shop.

Karen Banner, who runs Pleck Stores, in Crabtree Lane, said at the meeting: "While we fear for our livelihoods we would not put that above a child's life."

Mr Fraser asked for the petition, which traders had organised, to be sent into him along with suggestions.

The scheme is still at the consultation process and could be altered.

He told the Advertiser/Messenger: "We just want to get the right scheme for the community which includes traders, residents, children and parents. We want to accommodate everyone."