SPEED indicators devices (SIDs) now in use in a Blackdown Hills community were proving successful, parish councillors have been told.

Wellington Without Parish Council heard the SIDs appeared to be successfully slowing down the majority of motorists passing through Ford Street.

The hamlet has had one of the worst speeding records in Somerset despite a 30 mph zone being introduced 10 years ago.

One in five drivers were found to be breaking the speed limit and one was even recorded passing through at 53 mph.

Now, the council has purchased two SIDs which have been in place at either end of the hamlet since last month.

Council chairman Cllr Roger Lane and Cllr Steve Olive were thanked for their work in having the solar-powered devices installed.

Councillors were told a message of thanks had been received from one Ford Street resident, who appreciated the improvement in safety on the road.

Parish clerk Neil Dalton said an offer of funding from a police fund had eventually not been forthcoming but he would try again when applications reopened.

Mr Dalton, who lives in Ford Street, also said he had attended police training and was now an approved community Speedwatch co-ordinator.

He said four residents were being assessed by police for membership of a Speedwatch group to operate in Ford Street and help to enforce the 30 mph zone.

The necessary equipment and documentation had been prepared and once the residents had been passed, two locations would be checked for the group to start operating straight away.

Mr Dalton said police officers would attend some of the Speedwatch sessions if the council liaised over dates.

Other local councils have been following suit, with Wiveliscombe Town Council now using two SIDs which it bought for the town, and Wellington Town Council currently in the process of buying one.