KIDDERMINSTER-based MEP James Carver is calling for the town's streets to be cleared of weeds to put "pride" back in communities and improve pedestrian safety.

Mr Carver said that growth at the base of trees is blocking the way for mothers with pushchairs and people in wheelchairs along footpaths in the town - including Northumberland Avenue and surrounding streets.

Mothers Beckie Archer and Micaila Prince, members of Foley Park Primary School Parent and Teacher Association, said they had been complaining to the council for weeks.

A spokesman for Worcestershire County Council said safety was "paramount importance" and they will inspect the weeds and greenery and carry out work if necessary.

Mrs Archer, who has three children at Foley Park, said: "You can hardly get pushchairs past some of the trees and in places you have to squeeze between them and stinging nettles."

Mr Carver said: "The growth at the base of the trees around Kidderminster - especially on school routes - should never have been allowed to get so out of control. It is completely unacceptable and a serious safety hazard.

"I gather work has started to cut this growth back in some streets including Linden Avenue and St John's Avenue, but the council should be lambasted for taking so long to start the work and now that it has begun, it needs to speed up."

Mr Carver also accused the council of doing "half a job" leaving grass and weeds growing around the base of trees and along kerbsides and gutters.

He added: "As custodians of Wyre Forest the district council should lobby hard for the county council to ensure we get the services our taxpayers pay for, which includes tidy and safe streets.

"The streets look shabby - it is time the council helped create some pride in the town. They have a department to do this and they need to work smarter and more effectively.

"If the town looked good it might encourage more investment as well as make people feel proud of their communities."

A Worcestershire County Council spokesman said: "The safety of children and families is of paramount importance to us.

"We will inspect the weeds and greenery and if it's found that it's not safe, we will carry out the necessary works that are needed to make it safe."

Wyre Forest District Council leader, Councillor Marcus Hart, said: “This is a Worcestershire County Council function and I know they are working their way through the trees to cut back the basal growth.

"I have seen that Sutton Park Road has been done recently I know that County Councillor Nathan Desmond will be pressing for streets like Northumberland Avenue to be done.

"In terms of general street cleansing Wyre Forest District Council works tirelessly to keeps streets clean but we cannot do it on our own and would encourage local residents to take a pride in their area too."