A NEW study in Colwall has said the only hotspot for speeding drivers is outside the primary school.

After carrying out the survey, Herefordshire Council has said it will review signage and ask police to check traffic speed outside the school.

It has told Colwall Parish Council that 20-mph speed limits are being introduced outside every school in the county in a rolling programme.

The parish council, which discussed the issue at a meeting last week, is now asking for fuller details about the survey.

The council also discussed the retirement of beat bobby, PC Keith Eyles.

Coun Phil Browning said the village needed a proper policeman as well as a community support officer. The council will write to West Mercia Police to ask when a new beat officer will start.

Meanwhile, Colwall Neigh-bourhood Watch scheme has been given an £80 donation by the parish council. The scheme had asked for the money to help cover the cost of hiring the parish hall for meetings.

On the general issue of the hall, councillors decided to ask the committee managing the venue to review its charging policy.

It believes that village voluntary groups should be able to use the hall for free, with money made up through an increase in charges for other bookings.

The council also heard that parish councillor John Gibson has resigned. The vacant post will be advertised and, unless 10 electors request an election, councillors will be allowed to co-opt a suitable person to fill the vacancy.

The council has also decided to ask Herefordshire Council for a progress report on plans for a one-stop shop to serve the local area, to be located in the Master's House, in St Katherine's, Ledbury.

Coun Browning said he thought it would be difficult for the authority to give a commitment to the project, as it had to cut its budget for next year because of being capped by the Government.