RECKLESS drivers are pulling high-speed stunts on roads in a village near Tenbury.

The petrol heads are putting their own lives at risk as well as those of other motorists and villagers in St Michaels.

Eric Hudson, who represents St Michaels on Tenbury Town Council, is calling for action to be taken before someone is killed.

He says that there have been reports of drivers performing ‘doughnuts’ on top of a major problem of speeding.

“I have heard of drivers performing doughnuts which is highly dangerous,” said Eric Hudson.

The stunt that is strictly for experts off-road and on race tracks involves creating circular skid marks by swinging the rear of high performance cars.

It is highly dangerous because heavy plumes of smoke from the burning rubber are created. There is a high level of risk of losing control and the manoeuvre puts huge pressure on the suspension and risks a high speed blow out of a tyre.

But the biggest problem in the area is speeding.

Tests undertaken earlier this year show that drivers going through the village regularly exceed the 30mph speed limit.

“The speed measurement that took place indicated average speeds well above the 30mph limit, as the residents well know,” said Ken Pollock, who represents Tenbury on Worcestershire County Council.

He is critical of the Safer Roads Partnership and added that it appeared as if only a serious accident would prompt action to be taken.

“They did not feel they could station a vehicle to apprehend and deter speeding motorists,” Ken Pollock added.

“There seemed to be a sense that as there had not been any injury accidents, there was no need to do anything, despite the danger to pedestrians that seems to have been discounted.”

Ken Pollock said that he is calling for a number of measures to try to improve the situation including a 40mph limit on the approach to the village.

Eric Hudson believes that as there is no speed restriction on Oldwood Common, vehicles approaching St Michaels from Tenbury have to slow down rapidly as they get to the village.

“Because the approach roads are narrow with few passing places there is a tendency for drivers to overtake on Oldwood Common and this further increases speeds, he said”

He added that other issues that compounded the problem include the heavy lorries that visit the nearby nursery.

“When I turn right from the road opposite the church, I have to put the window down to try to listen for approaching vehicles as there is a bend and a hill,” Eric Hudson added.

Ken Pollock wants a mirror to be put up in the corner of the churchyard to improve the visibility for drivers coming out of Berrington Road.

“A suggestion has been made that the familiar white village gates be erected at the base of the 30mph signs,” he added.

“This has received support from some residents who believe it would slow motorists.”

He added that work to widen footpaths which have become overgrown with vegetation is planned to start in June.