RESIDENTS are urged to give their views on plans for a main road which runs through Bromsgrove, Rubery and Droitwich Spa to be placed under the control of the county council.

The draft order for the proposals to make the changes to the A38 were published last Thursday, February 22.

It will mean the responsibility for the road is transferred from the Highways Agency to Worcestershire and Gloucestershire county councils.

The local authorities can then decide on the speed limits imposed on the stretches under their care.

The road has been handed over because the Highways Agency feels it is not a major route and is suitable for local and regional traffic rather than vehicles on long haul journeys.

Stretches affected by the move include those running from Callowbridge Road, in Rubery, to Lydiate Ash, from Junction 5 of the M5 to Leather Bridge, which is north of Droitwich Spa, and from the Stoke Heath roundabout to north-east of the M5's Junction 5.

Also from a point south of the M42, Junction 1 at Lickey End to south of the School Lane junction will be affected.

The total length to be de-trunked is 19 miles running between Worcestershire county and Birmingham city boundaries and the M50 in Gloucestershire.

Comments can be made on the order to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions at the Highway Agency, Project Services Division, Room C4, Broadway, Broad Street, Birmingham, B15 1BL.

All comments must arrive by April 5 and, depending on their nature, may result in a public inquiry.