RESIDENTS say action is desperately needed to stop motorists speeding through their village, after a vehicle was clocked travelling at 75mph.

The car, which was recorded travelling more than twice the speed limit of the road in Middleton St George, near Darlington, has prompted calls for more to be done to tackle the issue.

Villagers say they have suffered for “far too long” and warned it won’t be long “before someone gets killed”.

One resident, who asked not be named, said the issue was a particular problem along Yarm Road.

“We get cars flying past us every day, there are always children and families walking along the narrow path, it is really dangerous.

“It has been a problem for ages. Unless there are cameras and these drivers get stopped and punished, I don’t know how it will ever go away.”

Middleton St George Parish Council echoed the concerns but said it needed volunteers for its Community Speedwatch scheme.

Les Foggett, Middleton St George Parish Councillor, said: “I am sure that many residents recognise that there is a traffic speeding problem in the village, and we need to do something about this.

“For example, recently a vehicle speed was measured on Killinghall Row at 75mph at 10am on a Wednesday. The parish council has a speed monitor which moves around the village at intervals.

"More than this, the village urgently needs volunteers for the Community Speedwatch Scheme, which is a separate initiative run by the police, who will train volunteers to use the equipment.

“Thank you so much to those who have responded to this call already, however we still need volunteers to keep this scheme going. You will be helping make a valuable contribution to the community, and to keeping our village streets safer.”

Ron Hogg, Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner for County Durham and Darlington, said: “Community Speedwatch schemes... are led by local people and I encourage anyone interested to contact their neighbourhood police team.”

Anyone interested in volunteering with the Community Speedwatch Scheme for an hour a week is asked to call 01325 335234 or email patryk.montelatyc@durham.pnn.police.uk.

Police training will be given.