A PARISH council is cracking down on speeding motorists.

Flitch Green Parish Council and Essex police have seen an increase in the number of complaints from residents so they are joining forces with Flitch Green Academy and Uttlesford District Council to curb the problem.

Helen Mason, the parish clerk, said: “Speeding has come up as an issue a lot lately on the development – several cats have been run over and lots of residents are complaining about people driving too fast.

“Therefore, we are taking steps to make the village safer for those who live here.”

The parish council took its first step on Monday by welcoming PCSO Angi Greneski to a meeting as it explores setting up a community watch team on Station Road and Baynard Avenue.

The equipment for the team will be bought by Cllrs Stephanie Favell and David Crome through their district council budgets.

The parish council has also approved a �5,000 bid for a grant to fund a speed initiative.

The scheme will see the installation of a flashing 20mph signing on Baynard Avenue and it will pay for large signs, which will be designed by the pupils at Flitch Green Academy.

The council’s proactive approach has been welcomed. On its Facebook site, residents expressed their joy that “finally something was being done”.

In a letter to residents, PCSO Angi Greneski said: “There has recently been an increase of information to the local Neighbourhood Policing Team about the amount of vehicles speeding throughout the estate and on surrounding roads.

“Residents are reminded to obey the speed restriction signs on these roads, as there have been reports of animals being knocked down and there is concern for the safety of the children living here.”

The next training session for CSW volunteers is on Friday September 28 at 6.45pm in the Great Dunmow Police Station.

For information contact PCSO Greneski on 07989 174801 for further information and future training dates.