PENSNETT children on their way to school were left frightened, as stray horses galloped in and out of traffic.

One concerned resident said she had to take one horse back to a field three times in one morning, after finding it weaving through traffic on Bromley Lane.

The resident, who didn't wish to be named, said: "The situation is getting out of hand. These horses were running in and out of the road, running among frightened children who were making their way to school."

Following a number of complaints from residents, Dudley Council issued its enforcement agency to undertake a fourday campaign from last week which resulted in five strays being impounded.

The horses were impounded by an independent enforcement agency, which then provides owners with the appropriate contact details and conditions for the return of the animal upon payment of costs.

A Dudley Council spokesman, said: "Council bosses have made it clear that the cause of this problem is the irresponsible horse owners in the Pensnett area who are purposely abandoning their horses on open land, with no regard for the potential danger to their animals or the public.

"The council understands the inevitable increased public concern and is taking strong and decisive action in this matter to send out a message to these individuals that this behaviour is unacceptable."

To report illegally grazing or stray horses contact Dudley Council on 01384 814182.