ALTON launched its first Community SpeedWatch scheme last week to cover the Highridge link from Whitedown Lane to the A339 Basingstoke Road. Motorists take this route to avoid being held up at the Whitedown Lane/Basingstoke Road T-junction and often do so at speed. As Highridge is an access only street and a residential area, using the route as a 'rat run' is viewed as "unacceptable" by residents who have to endure speeding motorists and high volumes of traffic, especially during morning and evening rush hours. Highridge SpeedWatch co-ordinator, resident Mike Heelis said: "This has been going on for years and despite the complaints and efforts by locals nothing has been done to stop it." For full story, see this week's Alton Herald.