A SAFETY-MINDED resident claims moves to close two short-cuts in Bromsgrove could put people's lives at risk.

Wilf Banner is urging residents to put pen to paper to stop Bromsgrove District Council sealing off Santridge Lane after Churchfields Road was officially closed to cars last Monday.

He fears access for emergency vehicles will be hampered and more traffic congestion created if this second route is blocked.

Last Wednesday, Mr Banner, of Stourbridge Road, attended a meeting, at Bewell Head Road Working Men's Club, where Santridge Lane residents called for traffic calming measures.

Residents also asked district councillors and members of its highways partnership to close Santridge Lane.

Residents were told the road could be closed for a six-month trial period.

Mr Banner fears emergency services will not be able to reach homes, particularly in The Flats where elderly folk live.

He said: "The already busy Stourbridge Road will become more congested for the sake of stopping speeding cars in one small road.

"It must be safer to allow traffic to disperse as many ways as possible from congested areas.

"Speed bumps are a safer option, causing less inconvenience to delivery drivers and people taking children to Meadows First School nearby.

"If no-one writes to the council to complain Santridge Lane could be closed for a trial period."

Bromsgrove Fire Station's divisional officer Andy Waldie said the brigade is informed of road closures as part of a consultation process.

He added: "Measures are taken to ensure we, and other emergency services, have access to all areas."

Highways partnership manager Jon Fraser said: "We would consort with the emergency services as part of the consultation process which could take around three to four months.

"If there are any problems we would alter the plans."