Campaigners trying to stop drivers speeding along country roads are celebrating a victory after police agreed to beef up their support.

From next week the Speed Watch volunteers in the Weald who record how fast motorists are going will be joined by police community support officers (PCSOs) to act as a visual deterrent.

The move comes after an agreement was reached at a meeting of residents, police and MP Helen Grant.

The group met Kent’s Police and Crime Commissioner Ann Barnes in February to ask her to make enforcement of speed limits in rural areas a priority.

In particular residents are concerned about the speed of traffic running through Hawkhurst and Cranbrook towards Maidstone, the A268 through Hawkhurst and the A262 through Sissinghurst. They are also calling on Kent County Council to introduce more 20mph speed limits some schools.

KCC Cllr Sean Holden said: “The move is great progress but more needs to be done. I get more complaints about speeding than anything else. This campaign is a very good meshing between the people and the police. It is a model that should be put out across the county.”

Insp Jody Gagan-Cook, of the Maidstone community safety unit, said: “Safety on the county’s roads is of paramount importance and we are keen to warn drivers about a number of factors that contribute to collisions.

“We have agreed through the new working group to use the figures gained by volunteers to help influence where future enforcement activity may take place.

“We will also continue to provide training to anyone who wishes to join or start a local Speed Watch scheme. Details can be found on the Kent Police website.”