NEW measures to slow down speeding drivers near homes in Spennymoor should be given the go-ahead next week.

Durham County Council's Highways Committee will hear that the need for the schemes in the Carr Lane and Ox Close areas of the town outweighs objections raised against them.

In a report to the committee, deputy chief executive Chris Tunstall says the two areas had previously been identified as worthy of further investigation as part of a road safety improvement programme.

Residents have also called for measures to slow down the traffic and surveys have confirmed that some motorists drive too fast.

Ox Close Crescent, Wood Vue, Carr Lane and Mayfields lead to 1,000 homes and Ox Close Junior and Infant School is in the same area.

County councillor Neil Foster said: "Statistics show that these are the sort of areas where accidents involving children are more likely to happen.

"Two-thirds of all road accidents occur on roads with a speed limit of 30mph or less."

Proposals include placing 16 speed cushions along Ox Close Crescent and Wood Vue. The Carr Lane and Mayfields scheme, which has been modified to take account of residents' views, involves the creation of three chicanes, three speed tables and five sets of speed bumps.

The council says that further consultation with residents has produced overwhelming support while the emergency services have also backed the proposals.