OBSTRUCTED views along a busy stretch of road in Worcester are putting elderly and disabled people at risk of being hit by a car, claim campaigners.

A petition asking Worcestershire County Council to look into improving the safety of crossing the Bilford Road at the canal bridge and at the Costcutter shop in Astwood Road has been signed by 331 residents.

People crossing the road at the canal are having problems seeing over the bridge’s hump while a “dangerous” bend near the convenience store has led to several near misses.

The petition calls for a public meeting to be held to explain any possible solutions, their costs and their pros and cons before work is carried out.

Green Party councillor Neil Laurenson (St Stephen) and Matthew Jenkins, spokesman for the Greens on county council issues, collected the signatures from people living along Bilford Road and roads leading off.

Coun Laurenson said: “We don’t want to be left waiting for someone to be hit before safety measures are put in place.

“People, and in particular elderly people, are refusing to go to their local convenience shop because they are worried about crossing the road.

“There is a strong feeling in the area that something needs to be done.”

The pair will present the petition during the county council’s next meeting at County Hall on Thursday.

A spokesman for Worcestershire County Council said it would then formally respond to the issues raised by the petition.

Mr Jenkins hoped they could get the council on board.

He said: “There is the combination of an awkward bend and quite a fast road which some cars are coming around fairly quickly.

“However, elderly and disabled people aren’t going to be able to cross as quickly and find it just too difficult to cross and are becoming isolated.

“They want to pop to the local shop but feel it is too dangerous,” he added.

Anna Higgins, communications manager for West Mercia Safer Roads Partnership, said it ran the Community Concern speed enforcement programme to respond to concerns about speeding.

She said: “If residents are concerned about speed, they are encouraged to speak to their parish council or local policing team who will bring it to the attention of the partnership.”