WORRIED parents and residents are demanding traffic calming on a Halesowen road to combat the dangers of speeding cars using the route as a rat-run.

They are calling for a Safer Routes To School scheme be introduced on Howley Grange Road - where a primary school is located - and are angry that Priory Road was prioritised over their road.

Resident Jenny Clulow said: "I am very upset and angry that Priory Road, which is a small narrow road, has had so much done recently to slow the traffic down, including making it one-way and also 20mph.

"Howley Grange Road which is wider, has a bigger school and is around 10 times longer also needs something similar. Just in the last two weeks we have had a serous accident outside the house."

Howley Wasps, a before and after school club based at the Howley Grange Scout Hut, Bournebrook Crescent, has also joined the campaign.

A spokesman described traffic speed as "despicable" saying "we take our life in our hands" as staff accompany between 20 and 30 children to Howley Grange Primary School.

Halesowen South councillor Nick Gregory is working with residents to get the 30mph speed restriction implemented - and preferably cut to 20mph - along the road which is used as a cut through to Bartley Green.

He said: "We have seen an increase in the number of vehicles using the road including cars, vans, lorries, buses and motorbikes and speeds have increased too.

"We have seen buses and other vehicles doing well over the 30mph speed limit, some speeding at over 50 to 60 miles an hour. This is on-going morning, afternoon and evening."

He added: "We have written to the council asking if Howley Grange Primary School has been considered for the Safer Routes to School programme to introduce a 20mph speed limit to improve safety for schoolchildren and parents."

The councillor also hopes to force the council to survey the increasing traffic past the school gates as more and more motorists appear to be using the road and is demanding to know why Priory Road was prioritised over Howley Grange Road.

Volunteers are also wanted to help with Howley Grange Speedwatch. Anyone interested should email nick.gregory@dudleymbc.org.uk.