Local Speedwatch Scheme Receives Funding Boost

A community speed watch programme in north Hailsham has received a welcome donation, having been successful in its application for funding via the Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner Community Safety Fund.

The application by the Hailsham North Speedwatch Group for £572 worth of funding will enable volunteers to purchase a handheld speed detection device and some associated items such as high visibility jackets and signs, allowing the group to be able to become more active.

Part of the Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner’s commitment to work in partnership with the local Voluntary Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector is the establishment of a Community Safety Fund, which supports projects that provide a positive and lasting impact on the local community.

This Hailsham North Speedwatch initiative came about after a community panel meeting between residents of North Hailsham and town councillor Nick Collinson held in 2013, which identified that there was an issue with speeding vehicles along Hawkswood Road and Battle Road in particular.

Speeding in both roads according to Councillor Collinson has been considered by residents as a serious community problem, with speeding checks often revealing that many drivers exceeding the speed limit are local to the surrounding area.

He said, “Speeding is an issue in the local community and some vehicles drive at well above the 30mph limit along Battle Road and Hawkswood Road, especially in the early mornings and around school home time.”

“It is important that we work together to prevent the problem from getting worse and the community speed watch programme is a good way for residents to become actively involved in achieving this,” he said.

“We are delighted to receive this funding from the Commissioner’s Community Safety Fund and extremely grateful to them for generously supporting our important community project.”

“The ownership of a speed detector by the group will allow greater flexibility in being active. Currently, co-ordinating the volunteers and then booking a speed detector device has meant that the group can seldom be active.”

“This funding will help the group considerably and having a speed detector device available at all times will mean that motorists ignoring speed limits in the area will be noted and contacted in order to change their behaviour.”

If you would like to take an active role in the Hailsham North Speedwatch scheme, please contact Councillor Nick Collinson on 01323 846040 or by email to nickcollinson@nickcollinson.co.uk.