THE first Penketh Speedwatch event took place last week after residents, the parish council and police came together to combat increased traffic and speed issues on Warrington Road.

PCSO Stephen Heaps, who suggested the idea of the community Speedwatch, said: "Over the last few months residents have raised concerns regarding the increased traffic and speed issues within the Penketh area.

"Police and the Penketh PCSO have increased their efforts with speed enforcement on Warrington Road.

"However, the residents felt they could also assist in helping to raise awareness of people's speed whilst they drive through Penketh and help improve safety.

"These volunteers are giving up their free time to help make their community a safer place for not only them but for residents of Penketh and other road users."

The volunteers are Penketh residents who have been trained to form a successful Speedwatch group with specialist equipment.