A LORRY driver from Bromsgrove has organised a 600-name petition against plans to close a lay-by off a busy town roundabout.

Richard Evans, of Lyttleton Avenue, has taken a stance against plans to block land at Old Stratford Road, next to Bromsgrove Golf Centre, put forward by the centre owners who claim it is used as a "very long stay car park".

But Mr Evans says closing it would leave drivers with nowhere to stop and would cause extra congestion in town as drivers sought an alternative.

Mr Evans said: "The closing of this resting point would leave me, and many other drivers, with nowhere to rest or have refreshments.

"The few places suitable around the area are either not big enough or have been closed.

"The thought of driving through the town centre to find these amenities is not ideal with traffic already badly congested."

The closure of Sunnyside Cafe, in Wychbold, last month caused traffic chaos when truckers discovered the cafe's car park locked and were forced to park on the road while considering their options.

Mr Evans added: "The area is always clean and tidy. The closing of the lay-by would put five people out of work for no real reason, which seems very unjust."

At a meeting of Bromsgrove District Council's executive cabinet last Wednesday, October 17, members asked the golf centre for a more detailed plan before making a decision.

No-one from Bromsgrove Golf Centre was available for comment as the Advertiser/Messenger went to press.