VILLAGERS in Llanellen have called for traffic-calming measures to be installed "before someone gets killed."

They claim that the rural 'rat run' along Gypsy Lane has become so dangerous they have to dodge speeding traffic simply to cross the road.

Pensioner Stan Bendle, of Ash Grove, who is registered blind, said that drivers turning into Gypsy Lane off the main (A4042) road take no notice of the speed limit. "Every time I go to the Post Office I am afraid to cross the road. Only a week ago a motorbike came hurt-ling along at 60mph ," said the 88-year-old.

"Even though I've got my white stick with me, cars come racing along at great speed."

Mr Bendle has joined the campaign calling for traffic-calming measures to be introduced amid fears it is an accident waiting to happen.

John Revans, of Gypsy Lane said drivers use the road as a rat run. "They gallop down at an unreasonable speed. It's a nightmare. A pedestrian crossing and chicanes are needed. Sooner or later someone is going to be killed," he said.

The driving force behind the fight, chairman of Llanellen Parish Association and community councillor David Thomas, says progress is being made.

"Questionnaires have been sent to every house in the village to ask people's views on a list of priorities we want to see implemented in the village following a public meeting. It includes a pedestrian crossing (near to St Helen's Crescent) flashing 30s to warn drivers to slow down, 20mph restriction and an increase in signage to show concealed entrances and speed restrictions," he said.

"We also believe that chicanes at either end of the village would have some effect."

The Camera Safety Partnership recently installed two traffic analysers on the A4042 and Gypsy Lane to record the speed and volume of traffic and the association are awaiting the results.

Cllr Thomas understands that if the percentage of traffic exceeds the speed limit Llanellen could be categorised as an 'enforcement site' which would see a mobile speed camera positioned along the site for several hours a week.

Monmouthshire County Council were unavailable for comment at the time of going to press.