FED-UP residents living near a Rowley Regis road which has been closed for months say they are being sworn and shouted at by speeding motorists using their street as a rat run.

Station Road, near Old Hill train station, is closed due to part of the road, which is a canal bridge being unsafe.

"Complex" repairs are due to start next month and are expected to take until Autumn.

People living in High Haden Road, which is being used by drivers as a rat run as an alternative to the official diversion, say they are frequently sworn at by impatient motorists.

One resident who didn't want to be named said: "People are being abused and sworn at when trying to get on and off their drives.

"I was crossing the road and put my hand up to try to slow down a car and they just sped towards me.

"I was walking my dogs one day and a van drove up the pavement to avoid an oncoming vehicle.

"Its only a matter of time before we have a serious RTA across the street due to speeding and the unsuitability of this narrow road now being used.

"Three blind bends are being negotiated by lorries.

"The whole street is up in arms. At 5pm it's horrific. "We ask that drivers slow down before someone is killed."

A spokesperson for Sandwell Council said when asked how long work was expected to take that "a recent inspection of the canal bridge has identified a number of structural faults and Station Road has had to remain closed to ensure the safety of the public.

“Repairing Station Road bridge is a complex project which has required significant investigation work, third party liaison, permissions and approvals.

“We are working to resolve the issues as quickly as possible.

“Work is due to start on-site in February with a provisional date for completion in Autumn 2023.”