ACTION is to be taken in an attempt to cut the speed of motorists in Bere Alston, following complaints by residents.

Surveys taken by Devon County Council in the summer showed the average traffic speed along Bedford Street, Broad Park Road, Station Road, and the Down was within the 30mph limit.

But the estimated highest speeds along Bedford Street and the Down were ?noticeably higher than the mandatory limit? at 38mph and 35mph respectively.

An interactive sign displaying a ?30? symbol activated by drivers travelling in excess of the 30mph is to be erected on the two streets for a temporary period of up to two weeks.

The results of the survey will be forwarded to the police responsible for speed enforcement,

Paul Marshall, of Devon County Council, said:. ?The speed survey data will enable scarce police resources to be directed to the times and days of the week when motorists have been recorded travelling in excess of the speed limit.?.

Some residents at a recent parish council meeting where Neighbourhood Beat Manager PC Rick Hartigan discussed the findings felt that speeding was more of a problem than the survey had found. The need for a 20mph speed restriction was suggested.

l Volunteer lollipop ladies and men are needed in Bere Alston if a new crossing at the school is to receive the go-ahead.

If a volunteer school crossing patrol can be re-established, Devon County Council will arrange for twin amber flashing lights and appropriate warning signs incorporating a ?Max speed 20 when lights show? supplementary plate to be erected outside the school.

The county council had already agreed to provide training and clothing for a previous group of volunteers, but they had decided not to continue with their services, a recent meeting of Bere Ferrers Parish Council was told.

The offer of training and clothing still stood.

PC Rick Hartigan told the parish council he was keen to see the scheme happen.

He said the highways department had stated that if it paid the £5,000 for the road improvement scheme it could not afford a paid school crossing patrol as well. ?There is not the volume of traffic to justify it,? he said. At least a dozen people were needed for a rota before training could start.

?If you have children at the school or are retired, would you be willing to give 20 minutes twice a day, possibly once a fortnight?? he said.

Anyone interested in helping with the school crossing patrol is asked to contact PC Hartigan or the parish council.