A CLEARWELL resident fears there is an accident waiting to happen if motorists entering the village don't slow down.

The problem of motorists speeding in from Newland, allegedly reaching speeds of 70mph in the 30mph zone, has prompted Dave Griffiths to warn he'll take matters into his own hands.

The father-of-two, who is a secondary school teacher in Monmouth, said: "As cars enter the village along Council Villas, they are frequently driving at over 50mph in a 30 zone with some speeds recorded of over 70mph. I can give these figures as an investigation was undertaken by police after a request from the parish council in December 2012.

"I was sent an email detailing the results which I have tried to find. I was asked not to share or publicise the information as the results were shocking. I was told that the police now acknowledged that there was a problem and would be undertaking further investigation with a view to attempting to restrict the speeds seen.

"Despite the findings, no further action has been taken and residents in the area have been left helpless to await the first fatality. This future fatality has been made even more likely since the refurbishment of the park area as more children now use the village common. There is no paved pedestrian access so children are forced to cross what has become a dangerous road."

The issue which Mr Griffiths said has been an ongoing problem since he moved to Clearwell over two years ago goes back further. "Some residents have told me the problem has gone back many years. The parish council also acknowledged this when I raised it, but said nothing could be done.

"I have asked the secretary of the parish council, Richard Crighton, for an update several times. He has told me that he has heard nothing further. As a result, I now feel justified in sharing the findings.

 "I have no idea why nothing has been done about it. A serious accident is certainly going to happen at some point. I can only think it is the cost of installing road humps, a camera or flow restrictions etc.

"Drivers have been encouraged to slow down by residents who are often then given a barrage of abusive gestures. I therefore make a plea on two fronts, firstly to drivers to please obey the speed limit and secondly to all authorities to adopt traffic calming measures in the area. You have been clearly warned that a horrific accident will eventually happen.

"If nothing is done residents will be forced to create a chicane from their own parked vehicles to physically slow traffic. I can also assure any speeding motorists that if you hit either of my children, you will not need a solicitor, but I most certainly will."

A spokesman for Gloucestershire Police said: "Several speed tests have been carried out in Clearwell in the last year. The road running along the recreation ground does show an average speed that is higher than desirable. This may be because it is straight and houses are set back, so drivers may not consider it urban. The results have been fed back to the council and local policing team who will work together to find ways of improving the situation."

Clearwell Parish Council failed to respond to requests for a statement at the time the Review went to press.