PLANS to set up a caravan site near Worcester have been rejected amid fears children would be "sucked under lorries".

Wychavon district councillors were also worried the scheme would destroy the rural character of the area.

The proposed site was a 1.2 acre fenced field next to the access road to The Wharf Inn, at Holt Heath.

The pub already has an established static caravan park for 56 caravans on the northern bank of the River Severn at Holt Fleet.

The new scheme would have seen a maximum of 19 touring caravans during the six months from Good Friday to October 31.

But officers warned another tourer caravan site would add to traffic and have an adverse effect on residential amenities. Despite the Highways Authority being satisfied that the purchase of more land would solve problems about vehicle safety and visibility, councillors were still concerned after a site visit.

Their main concerns were about visibility, children trying to cross the road, and risk of cars towing caravans not being able to accelerate fast enough when they pulled out of the site.

"It's an accident waiting to happen," said Coun Jean Dowty, who chaired the meeting.

Coun Dowty also raised the danger of access and the risk of "children getting sucked under lorries".

"It's one thing for a Ford Focus on its own to drive out of there, but it's another for a car towing an slightly over-loaded caravan," added Coun Anthony Hotham.

Councillors were also concerned about signs placed on the road reducing visibility for drivers.

"The boards need to be taken back so there is a chance of seeing something - at the moment there is no chance of seeing anything," said Coun Audrey Steel.

A report to the committee stated: "Due to the low lying and open nature of this site, the proposed touring caravan site would be highly visible with the rural character of this riverside location being destroyed by the introduction of a significant number of touring caravans, associated tents and vehicles."