HETHERSETT could soon have its own volunteer speed watch scheme aimed at making village roads safer.A number of communities in Norfolk have already adopted Speed Watch and Hethersett could soon join them.

HETHERSETT could soon have its own volunteer speed watch scheme aimed at making village roads safer.

A number of communities in Norfolk have already adopted Speed Watch and Hethersett could soon join them.

Hethersett Parish Council has discussed the matter and new chairman Fred Watkins has already named traffic issues as one of his top priorities.

The council is appealing for Speed Watch volunteers through the latest edition of the Hethersett Newsletter which is distributed throughout the village.

“Speeding continues to be an issue both generally and at specific locations in the village. If you live in the village why would you wish to speed through it?” the newsletter asks.

A minimum of six volunteers are needed. They would be provided with speed guns, signs and fluorescent jackets with speed checks being carried out in daylight and in an area agreed to by the police. Volunteers would also receive training from police in how to use the speed guns.

Speeding vehicles would have their registration numbers, colour, make and model noted down and owners would receive a police letter. Re-offending vehicles would be the subject of a second letter with their registrations placed on a database. If the vehicle was then stopped by police in the future the driver would be prosecuted and no verbal warning given.

Any residents wishing to volunteer to become a member of a Community Speed Watch team should contact parish clerk Ian Weetman on 01603 810915.