CAMPAIGNING residents of Child Okeford say it is only a matter of time before someone is killed unless speed limits in the village are reduced.

Young families on the Bower estate, a new housing association development on the northern edge of the village, feel particularly threatened by speeding traffic because the entrance to the estate joins the road immediately after the 60mph zone ends.

John Salwey, of the parish planning committee, said: "Why wait until there is a fatality? We're trying to pre-empt this horrible possibility by getting the speed limit reduced now."

Traffic issues are central to the new parish plan because although the village has expanded, reduced speed zones have not.

Concerned residents also say that schoolchildren are at risk because motorists do not stick to the 30mph limit outside St Nicholas Primary School.

Sylvia Holdeman, chairman of the parish council, said: "I feel very strongly that they should at least put a rumble strip outside the school. There have been a couple of accidents there already - it's just lucky that someone hasn't been killed."

She said residents had been campaigning for years to get the limit reduced to 20mph in the high street.

Steve Howard of Dorset County Council said: "A number of traffic issues were brought to my attention by the parish plan.

"Some things have already been agreed, including new signs outside the school.

"We are actively pursuing the extension of the 30mph zone.

He said he would support the 20mph call.

First published: May 13