ANGRY villagers have called on highway chiefs to end "years of broken promises" and improve the state of roads in Astley.

They say pedestrians and cyclists have no option but to end up covered in dirt by wading through foot-deep puddles and potholes, which form during heavy rainfall in Dark Lane, Church Lane and School Lane.

Outraged members of Astley and Dunley Parish Council also fear the puddles could cause vehicles to run out of control unless action is taken.

However, long-awaited improvements could be on the horizon after maintenance engineers from Malvern Hills Highways Partnership Unit agreed to meet councillors at the sites to discuss possible repairs.

Councillor Peter Archer said: "We first complained about 10 years ago and despite dozens of letters sent back to us promising improvements we are yet to see any.

"However, the lanes really have got far worse in the last two years and something must be done."

He added: "The lanes don't have footpaths and therefore don't cater for pedestrians.

"When there are huge 30ft long and foot deep puddles you cannot walk along them.

"There are potholes and huge dips which are no good for cars either."

Council chairman Sheila Bishop said: "We once saw the highway folk come out and clear the dirt from School Lane a few times, but it needs far more than this.

"The children who go to Astley First School have to use School Lane or Dark Lane but if it has rained they are covered in filth by the time they arrive.

"The villagers ask us what we are doing about this, but the funds to make improvements are at county level.

"I don't think there has been a car accident, but it wouldn't surprise me if there was one soon."

A Highways Partnership spokesman said: "We are aware of the complaints over a long period of time but we are hopeful of making improvements.

"Our budget has been a problem but it has increased considerably this year and more road repairs are likely in a number of places."

He added a date for the visit would be fixed later this month.