VILLAGERS in Woolage could soon be able to cross the road in safety after officials agreed to tackle speeding drivers.

But although community leaders are united in agreeing that the issue in the village, near Canterbury, needs to be dealt with, they cannot decide the best way to do so.

Lib Dem campaigner Mike Sole is calling for the speed limit to be reduced to 30mph in Nethersole Road, near the recreation ground, and said he has support from people in the village.

But Kent County Council refused to back him, and KCC councillor Michael Northey said there were better ways of forcing drivers to slow down.

Mr Sole, a member of the Lib Dem's Focus team, said: "It was clear from the numerous replies I received after writing to every home in the area that speeding was an issue throughout the whole village.

"I am delighted that my campaign has forced a change of heart. It can only be good news for the village."

But Mr Northey told the Canterbury Times that while he is in favour of tackling speeding in the village, he is still against a formal 30mph sign, which he believes could prove more dangerous.

He said: "Such a limit would be very difficult to enforce and would, if anything, induce a false sense of security among residents.

"Also, I am advised by professional officers that such limits are against Ministry of Transport regulations in this type of location."

Instead, highways bosses are recommending kerb extensions and chicanes to slow traffic down.

Mr Northey added: "I had four such kerb extensions put in at Littlebourne at a cost of £17,000 three years ago, and they have been highly successful in reducing speeds and damage to parked cars and houses.

"A similar scheme at Bridge has been equally successful."

Mr Northey, Barham Downs councillor Bill Oakey and MP Julian Brazier met with villagers last month. Mr Northey said they agreed that installing kerb extensions would be more effective.

He hopes to fund the work through the county council's Members' Highways scheme, which gives each county councillor £25,000 to spend on road improvements.