RESIDENTS of the village that is home to North Yorkshire Police Headquarters have criticised its employees for breaking the speed limit and putting lives at risk.

Villagers from Newby Wiske are campaigning for a 20mph speed limit and signs urging drivers to slow down.

They say the 30mph limit is not being adhered to and believe the main culprits are those who work at the headquarters.

In a letter to the parish council, residents say: "The majority of the vehicles travelling at speeds way above the legal 30mph limit are driven by those people working at police headquarters, who have no concern for the quality of life of the safety of the villagers.

"This situation is now so serious our children are fearful of crossing the village street or riding their bicycles. Letters have been written to the chief constable advising her of our increasing concern."

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said that as soon as the letter and accompanying petition were received, they had contacted the clerk of the parish council but had yet to receive a reply.

Because the letter arrived without a name or a sender, they were unable to reply in person.

"However, looking at the content it does not provide any evidence to support the allegations and comments in relation to North Yorkshire Police employees," he said.

"The reality is that road safety is highly important to us, not only in Newby Wiske but throughout the county. We have developed an excellent relationship with residents in the village and the local primary school over many years, and we will be looking to resolve the issues raised by the villagers amicably."

The police headquarters used to be based at Racecourse Lane, Northallerton, before it moved to its purpose-built premises.

Sandra Barnes, who lives in Newby Wiske, said they were not suggesting that all those who worked at the headquarters were guilty of speeding, but they believe the majority of the speeders worked there.

"Everybody complains about it, but nothing gets done," she said. "The police have done nothing about it.

"It is almost like it is them and us, and our quality of life doesn't matter.

"They have changed the village now. In the letter to the parish council we said 'You don't have any concern for our quality of life' and that is the way we feel."

Residents want the police to make a contribution towards obtaining a speed matrix sign, which will be expensive to buy.

They also want the speed limit lowered to 20mph, slow signs at the north end of the village and at Maunby junction and Slow, Children signs to be placed along through the village.