A SUFFOLK town will discuss taking positive steps to solve the problem of speeding which residents complain is blighting their community.

Richard Smith

A SUFFOLK town will discuss taking positive steps to solve the problem of speeding which residents complain is blighting their community.

Councillors in Leiston will consider the merits of paying towards the cost of a speed camera to help police officers catch offenders.

The town council will also weigh up the advantages of match funding a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) who could also crack down on “boy racers” and other speeding drivers.

Neil Reid, the inspector in charge of the Leiston police sector, told a meeting of the town council that speeding was the most regular thing talked and that officers were trying to deal with the issue.

Crime fell considerably in November, compared with October, but speeding remains a priority for police and they have been using a speed camera, the meeting heard.

Andrew Nunn, a town and district councillor, has patrolled with Leiston police officers when they operated a speed gun and he told the town council it was an extremely effective piece of equipment.

He said: “I am very impressed by the capabilities of the equipment and Leiston police are very keen to get another speed camera.

“They cost about £2,000 and I think they would be pleased to receive a donation of £1,000 towards one.

“We do get lots of complaints about speeding and this would help us, but it can also be used to verify that no offences are being committed.”

But concern was expressed about the town council's commitment to any ongoing costs.

Town councillor Colin Ginger said: “If we pay £1,000 towards this and then it is used for Saxmundham, Aldeburgh and Framlingham, we will be paying for them to use our camera.”

The town council did not take a vote and the issue will be discussed at another meeting.

Councillors will also consider the viability of paying thousands of pounds towards a PCSO to bolster the local police force.

In Aldeburgh the town council has decided to pay £14,000 in matched funding towards the cost of a PCSO dedicated to the town.

The decision was taken after crime rose in August by 22% and councillors were worried about crime levels, anti social behaviour and traffic management.

The cost to Suffolk police of providing a PCSO is £28,000, although the salary is lower than that.