Villagers near Kidderminster claim speeding drivers are putting the lives of hundreds of people and children at risk and have now called for pedestrian crossings to be installed.

Petitions bearing hundreds of signatures have been raised and support gained from two Worcestershire county councillors – Gordon Yarranton and Nigel Knowles.

Parents with children at Wolverley Sebright CE School and the Barnabees Nursery at Franche, which has recently gained a national award as pre-school nursery of the year, are among those calling for crossings along the Wolverley to Franche Road.

They have gained the backing of Wyre Forest District and county councillor Gordon Yarranton, who represents Wolverley, Cookley and Wribbenhall, and who is preparing to hand over petitions bearing hundreds of signatures at County Hall, Worcester, on January 17. He said: “It is a road where drivers travel very fast and although there is a crossing lady at Wolverley school I think a crossing is badly needed.

“New play facilities for young children are to be opened in March at Wolverley Memorial Hall and even more children will be wanting to cross this road and not only during school times.”

County councillor Nigel Knowles, who represents St Barnabas ward, said: “I firmly believe that childrens’ safety should come first.”

Worcestershire County Council has agreed to carry out a traffic and people count near the church.