An angry Cradley Heath resident claims people's safety is being put at risk by lorry drivers using a nearby industrial estate.

Morris Walker, of Victoria Gardens, is fuming at the number of drivers who ignore the 7.5 tonne weight limit on a residential section of Cox's Lane.

He believes their actions create a dangerous situation for pedestrians and other road-users as well as being anti-social for residents.

Mr Walker claims Sandwell Council and the police have known about the problem for years, but have so far failed to act.

He said: "Some of the actions of HGV drivers trying to access or leave Cox's Lane are beyond belief.

"Many of these HGVs cannot access or leave the road without riding up over the footpath or occupying the full width of the junction.

"I would strongly suggest further measures are considered to curb HGVs from using it."

Mr Walker believes the council should implement traffic calming measures to improve safety, or even consider closing the road to through traffic altogether.

He accepts the council has provided extra road signs but says these have largely been ignored.

Ward councillor Iris Boucher said she sympathised with residents' concerns, and promised to continue looking for a solution to the issue.

Cllr Boucher said: "These heavy lorries shake the foundations of people's homes.

"Owners of the industrial units have said they will fine drivers who ignore the signs but still the same thing is happening."

Sergeant Gore, of Smethwick Road Policing Unit, said they would also do all they could to combat the problem.

Sgt Gore said: "We have been in touch with the council to implement new signs but that is not something we can directly deal with. When we can we will have an officer down there but we cannot be there all the time."

Sandwell Council said they would shortly be carrying out a traffic count to check the progress of increased road signing.

Councillor Mahboob Hussain, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said: "We would repeat our message to drivers and local businesses that flouting the order is illegal and unacceptable.

"We urge them to be good neighbours and respect local residents' quality of life."