RESIDENTS in Ramsbottom are to be trained to use speed cameras as part of a new drive to catch speeding drivers.

The campaign, supported by Ramsbottom, Tottington and North Manor Area Board, Greater Manchester Police, and Burysafe, will be launched on March 3 following repeated complaints from residents in the town, particularly in Nuttall Lane and Whittingham Drive, about cars driving too fast through the streets.

Everyone involved in the residents' speed watch campaign will be using police speed guns to monitor motorists.

Culprits caught speeding will be referred to Greater Manchester Police who will review full details of anyone driving over the speed limit, and send out letters to the speeders.

During the training, residents will learn how to use equipment, special techniques to catch offenders, and how to record speeding incidents. All volunteers will also be given a high-visibility jacket uniform and equipment, with ongoing support from local Police Community Support Officers.

The residents' campaign will run on a voluntary basis, and will last until further notice.

Bryn Williams, police area Inspector of Ramsbottom, Tottington and North Manor, said: "The residents in Ramsbottom are determined to stop people speeding and are doing something positive to resolve the problems.

"Hopefully this campaign will inspire more people to come forward to help continue the good work."

Ramsbottom councillor Barry Theckston said: "Residents in the area have raised the issue repeatedly, and the council did try some traffic calming measures, such as signs and road markings, but the community still feels there is a problem.

"We try to respond to people's concerns whenever we can, and I'm pleased the residents have been listened to. I have seen these campaigns in other parts of the country and I think they're very effective."

Coun Tony Isherwood, executive member for safe, strong, and confident communities, added: "There is a real sense of community in Ramsbottom and this initiative proves this.

"The residents are a shining example to us all in working together to help fight crime and tackle issues such as speeding."