A TEAM of civilian volunteers is being recruited to operate speed guns in Ledbury after a trial of the system in neighbouring villages.

West Mercia Police has asked town councillor Noel Roberts to co-ordinate the recruitment of seven people to operate radar guns as part of a crackdown on speeding.

The volunteers will take speed traps to designated routes in and around Ledbury, mirroring a pilot Community Speedwatch Campaign in the villages of Stoke Lacy and Ashperton.

Coun Roberts said: "The only people who will resent this will be the ones breaking the law. I'm not a have-a-go-at-motorists freak. I drive a car and a motorbike myself but there are roads where people are driving stupidly."

So far, four town councillors, including the mayor Keith Francis, have stepped forward. The volunteers will be trained by police to use the radar guns and to take the numbers of offending vehicles.

Police will send letters to those who are clocked and repeat offenders could find themselves facing legal action.

Coun Francis said: "We want the public to come forward as volunteers, so this won't just be a town council team."

He said that the scheme was not likely to be up and running in Ledbury until the New Year, as volunteers must first be trained.

Target roads will have to be agreed with police. However, Coun Roberts has suggested the Southend by Mabel's Furlong, near John Masefield High School, as one likely area. Lower Road is another.

Coun Roberts said that the scheme was only for roads where the speed limit is 40mph or under.

A Speedwatch campaign through Ashperton village has been in operation for several months. Its co-ordinator, Brian Smith, is offering to talk to Ledbury Town Council and give it the benefit of his experience.

He said: "I say to Ledbury people, get involved. I feel the scheme has made a difference in Ashperton."

The Ashperton scheme is viewed as so successful, that Mr Smith has just been interviewed by Radio Four, for a forthcoming programme on road safety matters.