VILLAGERS in and around Wyre Piddle are furious that the county council is staging a traffic management exhibition for the village on Monday, prior to a public inquiry set for May 1.

Those who wish to keep the village open to through traffic except for heavy lorries have asked for their proposals to be on show too, but have been refused the space.

Head of Worcestershire County Council's highway management, Paul Jamieson said: "All we will be doing is telling the public what the county council's stance will be at the public inquiry. Everyone else is free to formulate their own responses directly to the inspector. It is his decision which will count in the end."

Wyre Piddle villager, John Stych said: "This is a hurriedly put together exhibition with only one proposal - that of the county council's. It is a pity we cannot put forward our own proposals."

Chairman of Hill and Moor parish council, Tom McDonald said: "A single option from the county gives cross parish concern about pre-judging the issue. We would recommend to the county council that the Halcrow brief be widened to prepare an additional calming option that removes and/or restricts lorry access through the village but retains some element for a calmed and speed controlled access for other vehicles. We also would like an alternative venue for the exhibition which would have a more comprehensive and accurate locality feedback."

The county council originally proposed full closure of the road at the eastern railway bridge when the bypass was completed mid December last year but residents' opinions on the matter were split.

The contractors have now drawn up plans for a partial closure that still allows buses, cycles and emergency vehicles to pass through.

If the inspector decides on the county's option villagers living in Wyre, who regularly commute towards Evesham, would have longer journeys to complete. Villagers living nearer Evesham who want to get to Pershore would find themselves queuing at the Pinvin crossroads to turn left.

Businesses would also suffer, traders say, by the loss of passing trade.