FURIOUS Barry residents living on the edge of a 'rat run' have demanded action from the Vale of Glamorgan Council.

Locals living in Bedlington Terrace claim motorists using their quiet street as a shortcut are heading for disaster.

And they are pleading with the local authority to act now before someone is killed. Taxi driver Martyn Jones, who has lived in the quiet residential area for two years, told the News: "It is an absolute disgrace that the local authority refuse to acknowledge the serious dangers posed by inconsiderate motorists.

"The problems started a number of years ago when Council put humps on Claude Road to calm the traffic. But whilst this may have helped safety there it also led to drivers using Bedlington Terrace as a shortcut as it runs directly parallel.

The father-of-two added: "Now the street is like a rat run with cars racing through at speed whilst Claude Road, which is a main road, remains relatively quiet.

"I live in the cul-de-sac part of the terrace and sometimes, when I take my daughter to school, it takes me 20 minutes just to get out."

Mr Jones and the campaigning residents are not alone in their battle. They have been joined in their fight by all their ward councillors. This includes Town councillors June Germon and Margaret Kirby plus Vale councillors Stuart Egan and Margaret Alexander.

Cllr Egan said: "This Council have been unwilling to do anything for a number of years despite repeated requests. The road is very narrow with cars having to be parked on pavements.

It must also be stressed that this is a residential area that was never designed as a highway from one end of town to the other."

A Vale of Glamorgan spokesman said: "Recent visual surveys have confirmed this is not a problem area.

"However, it is accepted that traffic volumes are highly for a narrow residential street. Therefore, the Council will consider a small traffic claming scheme or other measures when finance is available."