CAMPAIGNERS are calling for a speed limit to be reduced from 50mph to 30mph on a busy main road which runs through Bringsty Common.

The Open Spaces Society has joined commoners and other residents in calling for a slower speed limit on the A44 which runs from Bromyard to Worcester.

Allan Corder, the chairman of the Bringsty Common Manorial Court, said: "We are the voluntary body of people who live on the common. Some of us have grazing rights which in fact nobody uses now. Because if you put stock on the A44 they get turned into lamb chops, particularly by HGVs."

And he said without the grazing stock, the vegetation has be maintained regularly to ensure visitors can continue to use the 220 acres of common land for recreational use.

Mr Corder said the speed of traffic also risks the lives of those using the tracks which lead on to and off the road.

He said: "We did a calculation which showed that if there was a 30mph speed limit which people observed it would add about 30 seconds to the journey from Worcester to Bromyard."

The common is covered by two parish councils.

Ron James, chairman of Whitbourne Parish Council, said the proposal was discussed at a meeting last Wednesday night.

He said although councillors sympathised with a call for a lower speed limit, the parish council cannot support the application.

Cllr James said: "The reduction of the speed limit to 30mph would not meet the national guidelines for a single carriageway in rural areas. We wouldn't be able to support it because it wouldn't meet the guidelines."

The councillors decided to ask Herefordshire Council to carry out a road traffic speed survey to see if drivers are abiding by the current 50mph speed limit. Cllr James said if drivers are exceeding it they can then speak to the police to see what can be done.

A Herefordshire Council spokesman said: “Herefordshire Council, working in partnership with Balfour Beatty Living Place, has not yet received a request for a Traffic Regulation Order to reduce the speed limit at Bringsty Common.

“In order for a Traffic Regulation Order to be considered, a request must be submitted by the parish council. Balfour Beatty and Herefordshire Council will then review the proposal and, pending the outcome, will work to find a resolution.”