CALLS have been made for new measures to stop speeding motorists in a residential area where children play.

Residents in Oldends Lane, Stonehouse, say cars have been travelling at speeds of up to 60mph in the road next to a playground and skate park.

They fear there could be a serious or fatal crash unless action is taken now.

“I have seen so many near accidents recently, with children trying to cross the road to the park,” said mum of two Jemma Nicholls, who lives in Oldends Lane.

“We don’t want to let it get to the point where there is a serious crash before something is done.

“I have had two cats killed on the road since I have lived here.”

"Something needs to be done, the road is lethal."

Motorists regularly exceed the speed limit of 30mph, say residents, who want to see more done to enforce the limit.

They are calling for the limit to be lowered to 20mph and would like to see a vehicle activated sign which displays the speed of a car exceeding the speed limit.

County councillor Lesley Williams (Lab, Stonehouse) said: "I welcome the initiative to raise awareness of the traffic and speeding problems that have and continue  to blight Oldends Lane.

"This will only get worse when the work starts to develop Oldbury End.

"The initiative endorses the work of myself and the Town Council in demanding that GCC place a permanent Vehicle Activated Sign on the road."

Residents fear traffic issues will be made worse by the plans for a major new housing development west of Stonehouse which would see up to 1,350 homes built over 98 hectares.

The 1,350 homes will be spread out in patches and include a mix of sizes, designs and tenures, with 30 per cent available as affordable housing.

Cllr Vernon Smith, cabinet member for highways at Gloucestershire County Council, said: "We are looking into a request for a Vehicle Activated Sign (VAS) from the town council and Cllr Williams.

"We've carried out a review of Oldends Lane, as we do with all of these proposals, and will be going back to them soon."