BLAENAVON Town Council is looking to set up a Community Speed Watch Initiative following complaints from residents about speeding vehicles at several locations in the town.

Cllr Alan Jones is championing the project following a meeting at Gwent Police Force Control Room with Force Incident Commander Chief Inspector Huw Jones, who is in overall command of all incidents reported.

The purpose of the visit was to gain an understanding of the command and control system used to deploy officers to incidents in Torfaen County Borough.

The visit also provided an opportunity for Cllr Jones to look at the levels of demand placed on officers, together with how reports of speeding vehicles and inconsiderate driving offences are dealt with.

He was able to sit next to a control room operator running the Torfaen console and witness first hand how calls to the control room are managed.

“I was extremely grateful to be given this chance in order to support my forthcoming Community Speed Watch Initiative,” said Cllr Jones.

“The way calls are managed by the Control Room operators and assessed against threat, risk and harm is outstanding.

“I was extremely surprised to note the volume of calls that are made to the police.

“I would like to personally thank Huw for his advice and guidance, along with that of the console operator. Their level of professionalism was outstanding.

“The visit has definitely assisted me regarding the implementation of my Speed Watch Initiative for Blaenavon.”

Cllr Jones is looking for six volunteers to help run the initiative, and some members of the community have already stepped forward.

Training for the project would start in early February.

One area in particular that has been highlighted as a hotspot for speeding is the A4043 Cwmavon Road, between 7pm until around midnight every day.

Varteg Road and Garn Road were also mentioned as areas of concern.

The initiative is set to be discussed at Blaenavon Town Council's full council meeting next week.