Hereford MP Paul Keetch has called for the suspension of proposal by the Highways Agency to close a slip road on the A40 dual carriageway at Whitchurch.

Mr Keetch wants the Highways Agency to come and hear for itself the concerns of village residents and look at possible alternatives before the gate is installed.

Speaking after a public meeting attended by 70 people, Mr Keetch said: "No-one seems to have been shown detailed plans of exactly what the Highways Agency propose.

"Also we do not know if traffic calming measures have been looked at as an alternative to closure, or indeed what accident statistics suggest that safety might be a consideration."

Mr Keetch has pledged to speak to the Roads Minister, David Jamieson, to seek a suspension of the plans so his constituents can meet agency officials on site and listen to the proposals first hand.

"I'm writing in similar terms to Herefordshire Council and the West Mercia Police to get information from them, too. I hope then that the people of Whitchurch can make an informed decision."