Police are calling on people in Shepton Mallet to step forward and help tackle speeding in the town's residential areas.

The Neighbourhood Policing Team is working closely with Community Speed Watch volunteers to crack down on drivers who ignore the limit. Officers say speeding continues to be a priority and are urging residents to get involved.

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: "The aim of Community Speed Watch is to deter speeding through residential areas and to educate repeat offenders."

The Community Speed Watch scheme allows local residents to carry out roadside checks in areas with 20, 30 or 40 mile-per-hour limits. Volunteers are given training and speed detection equipment to monitor drivers and record those who break the law.

Drivers caught speeding are sent a warning letter along with advice to encourage better behaviour. Persistent or high-end offenders face further action by police, including targeted enforcement.

Officers say the scheme has a big role to play in making neighbourhoods safer and want to see more people in Shepton Mallet sign up.

A police spokesperson added: "Further action will be taken by the police against persistent and high-end speed offenders as well as targeting individual locations."

Anyone interested in joining a Community Speed Watch group or setting one up can get in touch by emailing [email protected].