Campaigners have called for Warwickshire County Council to delay its report on 20mph speed limits for town centres across the county.

Having announced last July that it would look into the possibility of introducing 20mph zones in all residential areas across the county, a report is expected to be presented to the council's cabinet next month.

Kenilworth councillor Cllr Rik Spencer, who sits on the group involved in the project, has already indicated that the costs associated could be large, with a £260,000 bill predicted for Kenilworth alone.

But local campaigners in favour of the new restrictions have said the report looks like it will do nothing to move 20mph limits closer to becoming a reality.

Local activist Hazel Underwood said: "It looks like the recommendations will be weak to the point of being worthless.

"If cabinet approves these it will be a slap in the face to people who want to feel safe walking across roads in their own village and town.

"The council says it wants to give more decision making to local people, but it seems like they just want to put more hurdles in our way and some councillors seem to want to protect the right to speed past other people's homes.

"I urge the cabinet to delay approving this report. It's not too late to take another look at how they can support communities who want 20mph limits."

Cllr Rik Spencer has said it could cost up to £260,000 to put a 20mph zone in Kenilworth

Local support

Town and parish councils across Warwickshire have already said they want to see 20mph speed limits in their areas.

And Kenilworth Town Council is set to discuss the matter next month.

A petition with over 1,000 signatures calling for 20mph speed limits in Shipston was presented to WCC earlier in March.

Dave Passingham, who helped collect the signatures, said: "We've seen a massive ground swell of people saying that they want change in their town and village on speed limits.

"People saying they're fed up of people speeding past their homes, putting lives at risk and preventing children and adults safely crossing the road.

"Local people know their area best and we need the county council to work with us to make where we live safer and healthier.

"They need to delay the report and sit down and work with us."

Speaking at this month's full council meeting - after the Shipston petition was presented - Cllr Wallace Redford said: "What I can assure you is we will be in touch with you and in consultation over the issues raised."

Kenilworth councillors also presented a petition to the county council last year calling for the 20mph speed limit on Warwick Road to be extended across the town.

Council's response

However in a statement to Nub News WCC said it has already consulted with residents and said that no decisions had been made yet.

"The 20mph limits report in Warwickshire is set to go to Cabinet on the 12 April," a WCC spokesperson said.

"This report was considered by a task and finish group which consisted of councillors.

"The chair of the group and the relevant portfolio holder spoke to the community group in Shipston several times and their statement was considered by the group before the report was voted on."