SAFETY-conscious residents in Alvechurch have taken the next step in their fight for traffic calming in the village.

Postmaster Saed Ahari has started a petition for extra measures at the junction of Bear Hill and Red Lion Street after a spate of recent incidents.

"I have seen so many incidents which nearly resulted in the death of somebody and when I have parked my car outside the post office, I have got out and nearly been hit myself," he said.

"They come so fast, one of these days it's going to cause an unforgettable tragedy."

Mr Ahari said a large number of pets were also killed.

He added about 400 names had been collected on the petition, which will be passed to Worcestershire County Council.

And Alvechurch Parish Council chairman John Puckering said the move would help add to the parish council's ongoing efforts to improve road safety.

"We are always looking at ways to improve the traffic calming. Bear Hill was identified as a place that would need traffic calming but it's an ongoing thing," he said.

"The next stage is the school and Radford Road should have traffic calming because of the building site -- it just takes so long to do."

A county council spokesman said: "If we are contacted about Bear Hill, we will look into the matter to see if there is a problem and suggest any measures that can address the situation."