AROUND 200 people packed a meeting in Ferndown when controversial plans to install 23 speed humps in a busy road came under the spotlight.

Supporters and opponents of Dorset County Council's £60,000 scheme for the mile-and-a-quarter stretch of Golf Links Road were able to voice their views.

In the last three years there have been seven road accidents involving injuries along the route and highways chiefs hoped the measures would deter motorists using the road as a rat-run.

But many attending the meeting in the Barrington Theatre felt other options should be considered, including improved signage and chicanes.

Dane Drive resident Chris Sheldrake said most of the accidents had resulted in "slight injuries" and that the principal cause had been poor sight lines at junctions and drivers cutting corners.

"We will challenge the concept that speed has played a significant part in these accidents," he said.

But Dr Graham Raper, of Golf Links Road, who spoke in favour of the scheme, said residents had experienced an "alarming" escalation in the number of accidents.

"We are seeing about five casualties a year and are getting minor accidents at the rate of about one a fortnight. Action is long overdue and we believe the county council has come up with a very good scheme," he told the hearing.

Both Ferndown Town Council and West Parley Parish Council were not in total support of the scheme and felt alternatives should be explored.

Tony Mackle, section manager at the county council, said statistically speed bumps were twice as effective at reducing accidents in that type of situation.

An inquiry team comprising five members of East Dorset District Council will report back to the council's policy and resources committee next month and a recommendation will then be made to the county council.

First published: September 8, 2005