RESIDENTS and staff at Nynehead Court, a residential care home near Wellington, have welcomed the introduction of a new 20mph speed limit outside the home.

According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, the risk of pedestrian fatality because of a collision with a vehicle is 5.5 times more likely at traffic speeds of 30-40mph, than at speeds between 20-30mph.

Research also shows that 20mph limits reduce the amount of traffic in an area.

The lower speed limit was achieved by the Nynehead Speed Reduction Scheme, an initiative organised by Nynehead Parish Council which aims to improve road safety and was made possible by a significant donation from the owners of Nynehead Court.

Jo Fenn, manager of Nynehead Court, said: “The new reduced speed limit will improve safety for people living, working and visiting our village.

“With Nynehead Court’s community growing through the development of more close care properties, the need for better road safety has never been higher.

“Our new property owners will be able to bring their cars with them and will now be reassured that their journeys to and from their new homes will be safer.”

The Nynehead Court Estate offers gracious retirement living for older people requiring residential or respite care, or close care housing.

Set in 18 acres of parkland, it is registered to provide residential care for 44 people within the Court, and close care housing for 11 retirees/couples within the Mews.

Jan Butterley, chairman of Nynehead Parish Council, said: “I would like to express our gratitude to Nynehead Court for their very generous financial support in the long-running campaign for speed limits.

“The project, which has been many years in the making, would not have been financially possible without this donation.”