Police response to Woody comments

PC Ken Maple writes re Woody and the issue of speeding in and around the village – see yesterday's updated story: "I was interested to hear the comments on the issue of speeding in the village. I have, over a period of four years, conducted speed checks on all three of the main roads in and out of the village. I have issued tickets to vehicles in Whitchurch Road and Cheshire Street but I haven''t yet caught a vehicle speeding at the Stafford Street end of the town.

"I am not suggesting for one moment that vehicles never exceed the speed limit at this location, but there is certainly a problem with perceived versus actual speed, particularly in Stafford street, where the road is very narrow. Whilst performing checks there on one occasion I was berated by a passer-by and so I challenged him to guess at the speed of passing cars. He was guessing at around 40mph when cars were in fact doing only 20.

"At a recent meeting with parish councillors from Audlem, Hankelow, Aston and Sound the main topic of concern raised by those present was that of speeding. As a result I have been tasked with conducting speed checks at various locations, including in and around Audlem. I will, in due course, let Audlem Online know the results of my efforts.

"In Aston, where the speed limit on the A530 through the village is 60 mph, there has been strong pressure from residents to reduce the limit. It's interesting to note that when a survey was done on the stretch of road in question it was discovered that the average speed of vehicles was around 40 mph.

"The Parish Council have indeed made a contribution towards the cost of a speed camera. It's a fancy new laser device and I have been out and about with it in the village, so I like to think that the council's investment has been a worthwhile one.

"There has of course been the recent good news about the de-priming of the A525, and it is to be hoped that in time this measure will reduce the number of heavy vehicles through the village. In the meantime, if anyone has any specific concerns then I will do my best to address them."

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