SPEEDING drivers are turning a Gwent village's main road into a hazard for children and shoppers, locals say.

Worried Abersychan residents fear an accident is waiting to happen - and police are asking them to let officers know where the problem areas are.

Inspector John Pavett of Pontypool police said police have already tried to address speeding problems along Cwmavon Road.

Officers staged a speed enforcement exercise near Victoria Terrace two years ago, after continued reports of speeding.

He said: "We were aware of problems in the past, but to my knowledge there have been no problems reported since then, nor has there been a significant number of accidents recorded.

"I would question why people are not expressing their concerns to the police if this is the case.

"In the meantime, I would appreciate it if people kept us informed."

Teresa Filer, of Station Street, said she had serious concerns about the traffic and the safety of her son Thomas, as well as other children who make the daily journey along the road to Victoria Primary School.

She said: "The road is so dangerous and all the children have to walk along it to school. "Maybe if there was a roundabout at the end it would force cars to slow down. At the moment vehicles race through the village and up by the school."

Betty Harptree, of Lasgarn Place, added: "It's such a hard road to cross. The problem has not gone away, these cars still speed through the village."

Local councillor Doug Davies said officers needed to take action now. "It's going to be too late if someone is hurt or killed - it is up to the police to take action now," he said.

"I am deeply concerned with traffic speeding through the village and I would like to see a greater police presence.

"At the moment cars tear through from both sides of the village. It's all very well for the police to drive by in their cars. What they need to do is park up, walk through the village and see for themselves how dangerous it is."

Inspector Pavett said: "We will be looking into these complaints and I would encourage councillor Davies to meet with me and discuss the matter further."