SIR - I refer to the letter from Michael Rose in your Friday, July 15 issue.

I remain totally committed to supporting Community Speedwatch in the areas within my electoral division. It can be set up where the residents report problems of speeding and where the police agree that it is suitable for local volunteers to deter and detect offending drivers. I am talking with the police about a Speedwatch scheme in Fortescue and Sid Road.

This initiative is something the County Council is supporting with our local Devon and Cornwall Constabulary and does depend on sufficient volunteers coming forward and being trained. They will receive support from our local police officers and, hopefully, make a real difference to the speed of vehicles.

I am sorry that Mr Rose has heard nothing since our original contact, but I can assure him, and others, that I remain firmly committed to this scheme.

I am working with the police to ensure that this can work for the benefit of our local communities which suffer from inappropriate speeds by drivers, many of whom will probably live in Sidmouth.

Councillor Stuart Hughes

Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation

Devon County Council