Maesbury is the first village in the county where residents work with police and the county council to run a pilot, community speed watch project.

Next week neighbouring villages in Trefonen and Treflach will launch their own scheme and it is hoped that the initiative can soon be rolled out across Shropshire.

Yesterday villagers in Maesbury were at the roadside monitoring the speed of drivers. It is the latest push by residents to make their village safer.

They successfully campaigned to bring in new, 30 and 40 miles per hour speed limits and a 20 miles per hour safe school zone outside the primary school.

The specially trained volunteers are now monitoring speeds on the road – a rat run cutting out the congested A5.

They will be able to pass on registration numbers of offending vehicles to the police who will be able to issue warnings to drivers and also carry out speed checks themselves.

Sergeant Conrad Smith, police co-ordinator for the project, said: “Shropshire County Council provided the jackets and signs while the police have provided training and equipment, but without the volunteers this could not go ahead.

“I hope this will soon be rolled out to other areas in the division.”

Ian Chapman, Maesbury village co-ordinator, added: “Our long term aim is to see an overall reduction in the speed of vehicles through the village. If we can slow the traffic down, it will make a difference to the quality of life for local people.”

Popular stories:

• Road casualty toll now 1,825
• Parking charges plan rejected
• Find bargains with StarBidz
• Pints for 65p as pub celebrates
• Lights switched on at last