BEWDLEY residents opposed to "lunatic proposals" for traffic calming measures are planning to turn out in force to show their feelings at a public meeting.

The assembly on Monday will see Worcestershire County Council consulting members of the public over plans to install humps and bumps and 20mph speed restrictions in dozens of streets off Cleobury Road.

Bewdley Chamber of Trade feared the scheme could create a "ghost town" by encouraging drivers to stay away. It involves the council applying for £230,000 of Government funding to make it safer for children to walk to school - but residents are up in arms.

It was welcomed by staff at St Anne's First and Middle schools - but consultation was extended after the initial three-week period six months ago was criticised for being too short.

The bid for the Safer Routes To School grant has now been delayed until the next financial year. Park Lane residents' group leader Mike Hardiman said: "To my knowledge there has never been a single accident of note on Park Lane yet the council is going to submit the original lunatic proposal which caused so much hostility."

Mr Hardiman doubts the importance of the scheme as it has not been accounted for in county council budgets.

"We don't want people speeding down the roads but we don't want to drive over humps either," he added. "They could put some cameras up - that would solve the problem overnight."

The council says the scheme has been supported by 82 per cent of people who answered a questionnaire. It also has the backing of Bewdley town councillor Tony Clay.

Project engineer Richard Attwood has said a wide area will be affected by the planned restrictions to prevent residential streets being used as a rat ran by drivers seeking an alternative to Cleobury Road.

The meeting is at St George's Hall, Load Street, at 7.30pm.