I HAVE lived in Redditch for nearly 20 years and, as a horse rider and owner, had kept my horses in the Upper Bentley area for 14 years.

During this time the lanes were quiet and the hacking was very good. I then moved my horses away from the area for five years and this year have moved back to the same area.

To my horror, the lanes are an absolute nightmare, especially during the rush hour, morning and night. It seems that drivers are using the lanes as a ‘rat run’ between Redditch and Bromsgrove.

As there is no stated speed limit, it appears these drivers think they can do the national speed limit of 60mph.

I am a confident driver and will drive to the speed limit where appropriate driving down these lanes is now scaring me to death and there is no way I would venture out on my horse.

Copyholt Lane is the worst, it is a designating national cycle route, so is used by many cyclists as well as horse riders, dog walkers and pedestrians. On Sunday evening I was waiting to turn right at a T junction, as a car doing approximately 50mph came round the bend, the driver braked so hard, I thought he was going to roll his car.

Tonight the front off side wing of my vehicle was nearly taken off.

I now drive very slowly and carefully, so that I know that I can stop.

But I won’t throw my car into the hedge, ditch and potholes to avoid these maniacs. Are there any other road users who feel the same? I would like to start a campaign to prevent this lunacy.

Carol Bentley Redditch