Meet Tom Petty, the Shropshire Star's latest recruit. He'll be waging war on ridiculous red tape and ludicrous legislation. So if you have an example of bureaucracy gone mad or health and safety overkill, Tom wants to hear from you. Email him at tompetty@shropshirestar.co.uk

Getting people to volunteer is tough at the best of times.

But when a group of Shropshire villagers decided to slow down speeding motorists they found health and safety and red tape actually putting the brakes on volunteers.

That’s because villagers stepping forward to offer to wield a speed gun in Lydbury North, near Bishop’s Castle, face such a tough series of CRB, medical and security checks that parish leaders fear they will perform a U-turn of their own.

Ian Kidd, vice chairman of Lydbury North Parish Council, said: “It is absurd. We last operated a community speed check in 2007. We registered, had a CRB check and training from the police.

“Now they are asking for two more forms to be completed. They are trying to vet us on the same basis as a local police officer, which seems weird.

“I am sure it is going to put people off volunteering.”

He said although the volunteers do not have the power to prosecute drivers, they do pass on registration numbers to the police and their presence does slow traffic down.

Nikki Pugh, clerk of the parish council said: “It’s all about health and safety. We have to wear reflective jackets and there are signs on the roads.”

The villagers spoke out after Councillor Jackie Williams raised the issue, branding it “bureaucracy gone mad”, during the Local Joint Committee meeting on Monday.

Kim Clarke, inspector for the local policing support team said: “In order to be covered by force insurance, for their own safety and as well being as a volunteer, the person must also be an appropriate representative for West Mercia Police.”

Inspector Clarke added: “We are aware there is concern over the amount of application paperwork and this is something we are working to streamline.”