RESIDENTS who have been demanding lower speed restrictions through a north Durham village could enjoy a slower lifestyle following new Government speed limit advice.

Picktree, between Washington and Chester-le-Street, has a 40mph speed limit which fits in with Government guidance.

But following advice on village speed limits, Durham County Council is to consult residents about lowering the limit to 30mph.

County council's highway management service head Roger Elphick 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."

Mr Elphick said highways chiefs were seeking residents' views after the parish council, North Durham MP Kevan Jones and county councillor Christine Smith had supported the lower limit.

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

Coun Smith said: "In the past, the county council's hands have been tied in relation to lowering the speed limit.

"But this new guidance gives us an opportunity to meet the expectations of local residents while at the same time preserving fair and consistent speed limits for motorists."