Roadblock too costly for Fens Pool

Residents insist they endure a nightmare when up to 100 souped up cars congregate in Fens Pool Avenue, Brierley Hill. They say roaring engines and blaring music playing is a nuisance and makes them feel they are living next to "an open air disco."

Sergeant Stuart Birtwisle, who is responsible for Merry Hill, claimed police were willing to stump up £15,000 towards a barrier, to keep the boyracers out if the council matched the funds.

He said: "This is the best resolution, I can't think of any other solution that doesn't require posting officers on the end of the road.

"This would not solve the problem just push it elsewhere."

But Dudley Council have revealed they would not be going down this route. Instead an order has been made to ban vehicles, unless for access to the 30 units on the Wallows Industrial Estate.

Spokesman Phil Parker said: "Due to the cost of installing and permanently maintaining a barrier, we are not currently pursuing this method of resolving the problem of illegal speeding and congregating in Fens Pool Avenue.

"There are also concerns relating to the type of fast 24-hour access to premises that some businesses need in order to operate efficiently.

"A traffic order has been made which prohibits entry into the road for any vehicles, except those accessing premises. This means that, once the 'no entry except for access' signs are in place, any motorist stopped in Fens Pool Avenue by the police, who is not there to visit a premises will be committing a motoring offence."

Councillor Susan Greenaway has pledged help to fed-up residents in Roach Close.