THE brake lights could soon be slammed on Yatton's Speedwatch group, unless new volunteers come forward to run it. The group was launched last year and was a huge success, but the number of helpers has now dwindled to such a level that the scheme may have

THE brake lights could soon be slammed on Yatton's Speedwatch group, unless new volunteers come forward to run it.The group was launched last year and was a huge success, but the number of helpers has now dwindled to such a level that the scheme may have to be abandoned.Now Yatton Parish Council is urging villagers to step forward and lend a hand to keep the Speedwatch alive.Yatton Parish Council clerk Xanne Blythe said: "When we launched the Speedwatch initiative was very popular. We had a lot of volunteers on our books, but some have fallen ill and others have stood down and now we are down to three members."People are needed to help, even if just for a couple of hours a month, if we are going to keep the initiative running."A total of 10 sites across Yatton and Claverham were drawn up by police and council chiefs where the Speedwatch volunteers could operate.Traffic speed hotspots included the High Street, North End by the rugby club and the crossing by the village primary schools.A number of new ones - including the junction of Claverham Road with the B3133 - are currently being assessed for their suitability for a Speedwatch.Speedwatch co-ordinator Paul Riddell said: "Speeding is a real problem in Yatton and Claverham with the High Street being a particular hotspot. Each time the Speedwatch team goes out it collects evidence of between 40 and 50 motorists speeding over just a couple of hours."What we are trying to do is reduce the speed of traffic through the villages and make the area safer for pedestrians and other road users."We desperately need people who are willing to help out on a regular basis."All data collected by volunteers is handed to local community beat officer PC Andy Bibbings to follow up. Anyone who wants to get involved and become a Speedwatch volunteer should contact Mrs Blythe at the parish council on 01934 426473.