HOLSWORTHY Police are encouraging residents to help reduce road casualties by signing up to a community speed watch team.

Alongside school and neighbourhood speed watches, Devon and Cornwall Police has developed a Police Volunteer Programme, in which residents can work alongside Neighbourhood Policing Teams.

Devon and Cornwall Speed Watch co-ordinator Elaine Hartley, said: "Through our Have Your Say Process (previously PACT), local communities were asked what their local priorities are — speeding motorists were identified as the biggest priority and in response to this feedback, Speed Watch was established and early signs indicate that it is having a positive effect."

Holsworthy Neighbourhood Policing Team is welcoming more volunteers to set up a Community Speed Watch team.

A spokesperson said: "The Holsworthy Neighbourhood Policing Team wish to work closely with the community and set up a Community Speed Watch team in the Holsworthy area, which includes the rural area. This is in response to concerns raised locally.

"All training and equipment will be provided and potential police volunteers must pass the strict internal police vetting clearance and occupational health screening.

"In return, each trained police volunteer team will receive ongoing support from a dedicated police officer and will be insured to carry out the role, which they are undertaking. All sessions are carried out, in accordance with strict guidelines at risk-assessed sites."

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.