PLANS to make crossing a Wyre Forest highway safer for pedestrians are being considered by Worcestershire County Council.

Measures, including reducing the speed of traffic joining the Habberley Road from the Kidderminster Road and improving road markings along the Kidderminster Road, are among proposals being looked at.

An earlier possible solution - introducing a right turn at the Catchems End junction in Bewdley to ease congestion caused by drivers waiting to turn right from the Kidderminster Road on to the Habberley Road - was dropped.

A study had shown that the Catchems End scheme, as it was known, was not feasible as equipment belonging to utilities companies was located at the same place as a proposed bay.

Similarly, plans for traffic lights and a roundabout were also ruled out on the grounds they were too expensive.

The county council's TravelWise officer, Nicky Luff, said: "We are investigating the potential of introducing a different set of improvements to the junction and will be consulting members of the public about their views once we have drawn up detailed plans."

County councillor, Gordon Yarranton, who represents the division covering the area, said: "Although the Cathems End scheme is not going ahead, I am pleased proposals for the Habberley Road and Kidderminster Road are progressing.

"It is important we make the area a safer place for both pedestrians and motorists."

When detailed plans have been drawn up by the council, a feasibility study will be carried out by the authority's contractors, Halcrow.