CHIDEOCK'S community Speed Watch scheme is due to launch tomorrow.

Volunteers will check motorists' speed through the village after being trained in the use of monitoring equipment by police.

The registrations of cars exceeding the speed limit will be passed on to police, who will send a warning letter to drivers.

Repeat offenders will be visited by an officer.

Chideock residents have said speeding is a big concern in the village, despite the presence of two cameras at either end of the village. One was recently damaged after a burning tyre was placed on it.

Some residents formed the A35 Action Group to protest against high levels of traffic by causing jams. Their method was to repeatedly press the button on a light-controlled pedestrian crossing and go to and fro across the road.

Members of the action group have not been allowed to join the Speed Watch scheme.

Inspector Caroline Naughton, Bridport section commander said: "We are working with residents of Chideock so they are able to monitor speeds in their area. By taking part in Community Speed Watch, residents can do something positive to reduce speeding and I encourage residents to support the initiative. Dorset Police will continue to carry out enforceable speed checks in Chideock in addition to the launch of Community Speed Watch.

"Any suggestion that the Community Speed Watch Scheme is a direct replacement for speed cameras or the work of police officers carrying out speed checks is entirely wrong, and this scheme will empower people to have an impact on the issue that bothers them.

"As police volunteers, members of this scheme have received full training, are fully insured, have direct communication with Dorset Police, and will on many occasions be accompanied by a member of the Bridport Police section."