A formal bid has been made to slow traffic down in a town by introducing a 20mph speed limit.

Campaigners in Eye are demanding the lower limit to deter motorists from speeding through the town.

A petition, which was signed by more than 900 people, was lodged in July, calling for action.

Robin Knight, co-ordinator of the town’s Speedwatch group, said: “Our petition received the full support of the town council on the proviso of ‘who’s going to pay for it?’ which is normal.

“We’ve had a meeting with Dan Poulter MP, who is fully supportive of it, and he is looking at ways to achieve our aims.”

He recognised that the county council has “limited budgets” but called for action on the issue.

County councillor for Hoxne and Eye, Guy McGregor, said his role was to encourage the project.

He said: “We need to get behind it; it’s not just the speed limit, it’s also about making the centre of Eye a more attractive place so it’s a nicer place to shop.”

Campaigners have also been pushing for improvements to pedestrian crossings.

Mr McGregor said he expected the speed limit bid to go in front of Suffolk County Council early in the New Year.

An county council spokeswoman said: “Our roads and transport policy development panel has recently started a widescale investigation of 20mph limits and zones to draw up criteria for the development of schemes in Suffolk.

“We have been making a number of site visits to rural and urban areas over the past month, including to Middleton, and will be speaking to the founder of the national 20’s Plenty campaign.”