VILLAGERS are launching a safety campaign against speeding drivers.

Already this year, musicians Meg and John Childs have seen four accidents outside their house in North Close, Kirk Merrington, near Spennymoor.

They say motorists drive too fast along the B6288 road, despite warning signs, double white lines and road markings telling them to slow down.

The most recent three accidents wrecked the couple's garden, demolishing a rockery, ruining a hedge and destroying valuable plants and shrubs.

It was after the latest accident on Friday, when another car went through her hedge, that Mrs Childs decided to launch a petition demanding action before someone is seriously injured or killed.

She said: "It is a very bad road and people drive too fast. When my husband goes out with the dog I am frightened that he will be wiped out.

"When my daughter-in-law brings our four grandchildren, I fear for their lives.

"I can't drive out of my house and turn right because they come so fast along the road.

"People won't walk their dogs, even in the daytime. Someone is going to be killed. It is very worrying."

Police have recorded seven accidents near the Childs' home since January 1999.

Two of the four crashes this year were caused by cars skidding on ice, they said.

Four drivers were stopped and cautioned during a month of speed checks between February 11 and March 12.

A Durham County Council spokeswoman said: "We are aware that North Close has an accident history, and over the last couple of years the council has undertaken a number of measures there.

"We feel we have done a fair amount of work in the area to try to reduce accidents and speed."

Last year, people in nearby Middlestone Village managed to win agreement for a 30mph limit outside their homes after meeting with police, councillors and highways experts.

There were more discussions last week and the limit is due to be introduced later this year