RECKLESS motorists be warned - Whitehill and Bordon’s community Speedwatch has launched.

Whitehill Town Council councillor Phillip Davies said: “With thanks to Police Community Support Officers Alex Byrne, Holly Neala and Maria Jolliffe, community Speedwatch was officially established last Friday.

Co-ordinators Mr Davies and Karla Reale, a volunteer with the Whitehill and Bordon Town Partnership, briefed other volunteers on how the scheme works and how it can make roads safer.

At a launch meeting, held at Mustangs, in Budds Lane, Mr Davies thanked Jane Fletcher and Lucy Rodd “for their tireless campaigning and fundraising” and fellow councillor Adam Carew for being a long-term supporter of the project.

More than 20 residents, trained by police officers, will lead the scheme across sites in and near the town, including nearby villages.

Community Speedwatch is a national initiative whereby active members of the community work with the police to monitor vehicle speeds. It is seen as the first tier in the police’s response to speeding and is more about education than enforcement. Those caught exceeding the speed limit can expect an initial letter, but repeat offences could lead to prosecution.

* The scheme is open to new volunteers. Forms are available at the Forest Community Centre, or by e-mailing [email protected] or [email protected].