VILLAGERS campaigning for speed restrictions on a main road near their homes are hopeful they can share the success of a neighbouring community.

For years, residents of Redworth, between Darlington and Shildon, have battled to have a 30mph limit enforced on the A6072, which runs through the heart of the village.

However, the only things they have been given are suggested limit signs on either side of their village, urging drivers to travel at a top speed of 30mph.

But this is not enforceable by the police because the road winds through an S-bend and there is insufficient line of sight for speed cameras to picture offenders.

But after Darlington Borough Council's planning committee last month recommended 30mph speed limits and other restrictions for nearby School Aycliffe, villagers in Redworth have been given fresh hope.

The planning committee discussed the safety measures when considering plans to build 233 houses on the former Aycliffe Hospital site, in School Aycliffe.

Although the speed restriction - a reduction from 40mph - could not be enforced by the planners, a controlled pedestrian crossing will be placed on the C39 after the plan was agreed.

Councillors views' on traffic speed would be pursued through the proper channels, the meeting heard.

CampaignerJames Wilkinson, who has been at the centre of Redworth's efforts, sent a letter to The Northern Echo extending his congratulations to the School Aycliffe residents.

He said: "I confidently assume a great deal of effort and determination provided the inertia which, under the guidance of Councillor Gerald Lee, proved more than adequate to win the day.

"We at Redworth intend a little of your accomplishment to rub off on us. Our own protracted campaign to obtain a 30mph speed limit on the A6072 trunk road has met with limited success up to now.

"However, under the leadership of Councillor Lee we are quietly confident that common sense will prevail and allow Redworth the speed restriction it so rightly deserves."

A spokesman for Darlington Borough Council said that no decision had been made on the speed restrictions in School Aycliffe.