AN angry resident has hit back at claims by police that speeding drivers are not putting lives at risk.

Barry Ogleby, of Thirsk, has long called for police action to curb speeders in the town, especially in St James Green.

Thirsk police has responded by saying there was no evidence of speeding in the St James area.

But Mr Ogleby said: "If police say there is no cause for concern, they are living in a fantasy world.

"There's no question there's problems here and it happens every day - that's the reality of it.

"I'm not blaming the officers on the street it's the people higher up who decide what jobs to cover."

Last year, North Yorkshire County Council shelved a £26,000 road safety scheme for St James Green due to a shortage of funds.

Mr Ogleby said: "Time and time again people speed along here at 40 to 50mph.

"There should be a 20mph limit in every market town and the police should be enforcing it and prosecuting people."

He has joined Thirsk Town Council in calling for a speed matrix sign on St James Green.

Inspector John Richardson, of North Yorkshire Police, said: "I don't believe there is any evidence to say it is a speeding hotspot.

"I know the speed data collection equipment on St James Green did not show that traffic calming was needed."

He added the equipment could be better used where there was known problem.