THREE high-speed accidents in six months near a special needs home have left the owner campaigning for a lowered speed limit.

Tony Edwards, of Troed-y-Rhiw Farm, Wattsville, believes cars driving at speed down the road next to his farm could lead to one of the residents of his special needs home being killed.

There are three adults living in the home, and six go there for day care. The home provides care for people being resettled into the community.

Mr Edwards said: "Cars come charging down from the hill, and three have crashed through the fence.

"I want the speed limit lowered to 30mph. Some residents stay in the farmhouse on one side of the road, and often walk through the trails to the new building on the other side of the road.

"If cars are driving too fast and coming off the road, they are in danger." Mr Edwards said there are currently no speed limit signs on the road, which has a limit of 60mph.

He said he would also like to see low gear signs put up at the top of the hill to warn people of the steep gradient ahead of them.

The last crash was at the end of January, when a car tore through the fence by the side of the road and into a cluster of saplings.

The damage is estimated at £350 and Mr Edwards says he has been unable to get the repairs funded through insurance.

His demand for a reduced speed limit is supported by the Plaid Cymru councillor for Ynysddu, Donald Cullen.

Councillor Cullen said: "I know they speed down there but I don't know what we can do about it.

"I support putting a speed limit in, if there's enough room for the sign, and I'll put pressure on the council to try to make sure it happens.

"I know Mr Edwards has written to the highways department, who have written back and are investigating the possibility of putting in signs."

Sergeant Susan Locke, at Risca police station, said the crashes were being investigated and confirmed they had received a request to reduce the speed limit.

PICTURE: Tony Edwards, owner of the Troed-y-Rhiw special needs home, Wattsville, next to a fence destroyed by a speeding vehicle