RESIDENTS who have campaigned for years to have a speed limit enforced in their village may get their wish within a year.

The A6072, which carries traffic between the Darlington and Shildon areas, through Redworth, has long been a cause for concern, with fears that people may be killed by traffic speeding round an s-bend in the road.

Signs at either side of the village warn drivers of the bend and recommend a maximum speed of 30mph, but it is unenforceable at that point because the road is not straight enough for speed cameras.

However, Darlington Borough Council now says that, following discussions with Durham Police, an agreement has been reached for the introduction of a 40mph limit on what is otherwise an unrestricted road.

Residents have welcomed the news in principle, but fear they may still have a long wait for the measures to be put in place and are concerned whether they will be enforceable.

James Wilkinson said: "It will certainly be welcomed, but the only thing is that a lot of people here will be very sceptical.

"If they can't give us a 30mph restriction, how can they guarantee us a 40mph limit?"

The council said it was hoped that the restrictions would be in place within the financial year, following a consultation period.

A spokeswoman said enforcement would be a matter for the police, however, nobody at Durham Police was available to comment on the issue last night.

Concerns about the speed of drivers on the s-bend left many of older villagers afraid to cross the road, and villagers have had a second noticeboard put up to ensure that all residents are kept up to date with parish matters, without having to cross the road.

Mr Wilkinson spent six months negotiating with Royal Mail to have a new post box put up to allow all residents to post letters without fear of being knocked down.

A number of traffic calming measures have been put in place in the past in an effort to curb the problem, including traffic signs, road markings, refuges and bollards.

Councillor Nick Wallis, the borough's cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "The council has been listening to the concerns of residents in Redworth.

"I am delighted to announce that we are now progressing the introduction of a statutory 40mph speed limit.

"I'm sure this will benefit both the residents and road users."

The move was also welcomed by borough councillor Gerald Lee, who said that the measures had been long-awaited and would probably be warmly embraced by the villagers.