LONG-SUFFERING town centre residents are being given the chance to have their say on a new scheme designed to cut problems caused by speeding motorists using roads as 'rat runs'.

Worcestershire Highways Partnership in Bromsgrove is proposing to close Fordhouse Road and introduce traffic calming measures in East, West, North and College roads.

The £40,000 scheme aims to discourage rush-hour traffic from using the residential area.

Many people use the roads to travel from New Road to Stratford Road to avoid the town centre and the A38.

This week leaflets detailing the proposed changes are being posted to residents.

They include a pre-paid envelope so comments and a questionnaire can be returned.

The proposal suggests closing Fordhouse Road, just south of the junction with Oakalls Avenue, and installing speed cushions on the other roads as well as coloured markings at the junctions to warn drivers they are entering a residential area.

There will also be a raised platform at the junction of College Road and West Road to reduce traffic speeds.

An exhibition looking at the scheme in more detail is due to be held at Bromsgrove District Council's planning reception, at the Council House, in Burcot Lane.

It runs for five days, starting on Monday November 13, and will be open between 9.30am and 4.30pm.

Council officers, who will be available to discuss the scheme, are hoping residents will visit the exhibition before responding to the plan.