SAFETY campaigners who live with a busy main road on their doorsteps have called a public meeting to press for new speed limits.

People in Witton-le-Wear claim there have been too many accidents on the A68, which runs yards from some homes.

They have been told in the past that the stretch does not meet the criteria for speed restrictions, because houses are only on one side.

But they say there have been many minor accidents which have not been reported.

Former parish councillor Barry Hall and neighbour Craig Stonehouse have organised the meeting, which takes place in the community centre on Thursday at 7.45pm.

When Mr Hall's home next to the A68 was hit by a car in June last year, he was told there had been only three reported accidents since 2002.

Last October, retired quarryman George Emerson, 80, from Wolsingham, was killed when his Skoda collided with an MG on the A68 near East's garage.

Mr Hall said: "Most of the villagers use the A68 and many have stories to tell about minor accidents or near misses.

"My wife was hit recently when she was in the middle of the road turning right.

"It is a busy road and drivers go too fast.

"If the limit was reduced to 50 mph and there were calming measures it would be fine."