VILLAGERS may have succeeded in a campaign to cut the speed limit on a busy road.

Picktree, between Washington and Chester-le-Street, has a 40mph limit. But, following new government advice on village speed limits, Durham County Council is to consult local people about lowering the limit to 30mph.

Roger Elphick, the county council's head of highway management, said: "The C-class road through the village links the southern end of Washington with the A1(M) and in the past there have been several requests to lower the limit to 30mph.

"We haven't been able to do that because government guidance stipulated that 40mph was the correct limit and the requests had to be turned down.

"This new village speed limit advice gives us an opportunity we have not previously had to look at the issue again where the situation meets the new criteria.

"The parish council, MP Kevan Jones and local county councillor Christine Smith all support the lower limit and we are now asking local people for their views.

"Speed limits in villages is something that is raised in all parts of the county with our highway member area panels as they meet with parish councils and community groups.

Retired parish councillor Gwen Snaith said her late husband, Arthur, had campaigned for a reduction of the speed limit in Picktree Lane before his death 15 years ago. She said: "Before 1990 there was no speed limit and he helped campaign for the reduction to 40mph, but he really wanted to lower it further.

"His campaign was even mentioned at his funeral. We are delighted with this latest news. The traffic comes past my house too fast."

Resident Norman Elliott, an engineer, said: "We have lived here less than a year, but it is very difficult to get in and out of the driveway, especially at peak times in the mornings and evenings.

"This is a busy road between the A1(M) Blind Lane roundabout and Washington and a reduction in the speed limit would be very welcome indeed."

His neighbour, retired magistrate Joan Straker, said: "I have lived here since 1961 and it used to be a country lane. It may be hard to believe, but cows used to be herded along here. But now it is used as a diversion if the A1(M) is closed for any reason, and there will be a serious accident if the speed limit is not cut."