SOUTH Worcestershire Pol-ice say Worcester Rugby Club supporters are putting their lives at risk by walking, sometimes with children, on busy high-speed roads as they approach and leave the Sixways stadium.

"We are very concerned at the increasing number of people who take their lives -- and others -- in their hands by crossing and even walking along carriageways on which traffic is entitled to travel at 60mph," said Mike Digger, Traffic Management Advisor to South Worcestershire Pol-ice.

"Some 200 rugby fans, among the average of 8,000 who attend home Premiership matches, are choosing to ignore frequent police-backed requests from the club made in the game programmes and over the public address system," said Mr Digger.

"This is despite the fact that there are excellent drop-off and pick-up points within the ground -- plus near-by park-and-ride and walk-and-ride facilities, including clearly indicated safe pedestrian routes to and from the ground.

"What is most frightening is that some supporters have small children with them when they are either crossing over or walking along the 60mph A453 Pershore Lane, which is only partly-lit.

"There is absolutely no need for it.

"If they were only prepared to wait just a few more minutes, they could be dropped off and picked up in complete safety.

"We are genuinely concerned that it is only a matter of time before one or more of the people choosing not to adhere to club and police guidance is injured or even killed," added Mr Digger.

"The majority of fans behave brilliantly in terms of road safety.

"We just need the minority of 200 to follow suit and the risk will disappear."