STOCKSFIELD Parish Council is considering paying for dedicated police patrols to monitor speeding in the village.

The issue of traffic in New Ridley village was discussed at the last meeting of the council.

Following concerns from residents, the community was consulted on proposals to install a vehicle activated traffic calming sign (VATCS) in New Ridley.

Chairman of the parish council, Coun. Maggi Hunt, sent letters to 59 homes in the area, asking for their views on the proposals.

Only 15 houses responded, eight in support and seven in opposition to the idea.

Describing the feedback as ‘inconclusive’ the parish council has now begun to consider alternative ways to tackle speeding in New Ridley.

Parish council clerk Nick Spencer outlined an option to pay for the deployment of dedicated police officers in Stocksfield for a specific period of time.

The officers could be sent out as and when the council considered it necessary.

Coun. Hunt said: “We need to know what the costs are and we haven’t got that precise information yet.”

Councillors agreed to discuss the matter again when more information on cost was available.

They also agreed not to proceed with the installation of a vehicle activated sign at New Ridley.