RESIDENTS on a west end street fear that someone is going to be killed by speeding motorists.

People living in Newton Street have raised their concerns with Councillor Graeme Brooks ahead of the children starting back at school.

Now council roads officials are to consider traffic calming measures.

One resident, Kate McMillan, told the Tele: “There is a children’s play park and a school nearby.

"The cars drive at excessive speed and we are worried that there will be an accident.”

Another, Margaret Parker, added: “It is very busy in the morning when people are rushing to get to work and school.

"Many drivers also park their cars on the street making it more difficult to cross at busy times.”

The residents are hoping that by highlighting the issue in the Tele drivers will take much more care.

Resident Irene Gibson said: “I fear for the children, it’s dangerous.

"When Ardgowan Primary School is out it’s really busy.

“I think the first step is raising awareness that it is an issue but I don’t know what the answer is, possibly a speed camera.”

Ralph Clarke, who has stayed in the street for 50 years, told the Tele: “I think the speeding is as bad as ever, it’s always been an issue but I am glad to see so many residents come together to highlight it.

“More signs may help a little and speed bumps have also been suggested.

"It isn’t just a little speeding, it is excessive and we would like to see something being done.”

Graeme Brooks, councillor for Inverclyde North, says residents have highlighted speeding in the street as a 'major issue'.

He said: “A number of residents have shared their concerns with me regarding speeding at my surgeries and by email.

“They have concerns not only for children due to the play park and school but for everyone who uses the street.

“They have fears that someone will be seriously hurt, maybe even fatally.

“I am speaking with council officers and road officers to see if we can find a solution to a problem which has been continuously raised with myself.”

Local police confirmed that they have received complaints about speeding on Newton Street.

Sergeant Laura Stewart said: “Newton Street is a road that occasionally is a cause of complaints of speeding, mainly due to the straight, wide construction of the roads in the west end of Greenock and the access to the Lyle Hill.

“It is one of several areas where local officers carry out patrols to identify offenders and positively influence driver behaviour.”

Police are urging people to be considerate of other road users and pedestrians.

Sergeant Stewart said: “With the schools due to return this week the number of pedestrians, predominantly children, in the area at peak times is set to increase again.

“I would remind motorists that speed is one of the most common causes of road accidents and would encourage them to be considerate of the road conditions and other road users.”

A spokesman for Inverclyde Council said: “We have taken a look at the situation on Newton Street along with other locations in Inverclyde where requests have been made for traffic calming measures.

"These will be considered as part of the council’s prioritised selection process.”