PARISH leaders in the New Forest have launched a new attempt to secure a lower speed limit protecting walkers and cyclists.

They have devised their own traffic calming scheme in a bid to persuade the Hampshire County Council to cut the restriction from 40mph to 30mph.

Members of Bramshaw Parish Council are campaigning for a lower limit on the busy B3079 Cadnam to Landford road after a spate of accidents.

Each request has been rejected by the county council, which says a 30mph limit can be imposed only if it is accompanied by traffic calming measures.

However, people living in the picture postcard village say they would oppose any plans that "urbanised" the area.

Now Councillor Denis Shaughnessy has come up with a potential solution - a rustic scheme in keeping with its Forest surroundings.

The gateway-style feature would force drivers heading into the village to give way to oncoming traffic. The design would enable motorists to see any ponies or cows standing on the other side of the barrier. Potential sites include the approaches to a sharp corner near St Peter's Church and a blind bend near Wiltshire Cottage.

Cllr Shaughnessy said: "Government advice seems to be that 30mph restrictions should be introduced in villages -- but only if they're accompanied by traffic-calming measures that encourage people to stick to the new limit."

Council chairman Joan Pressey said residents were worried about the speed and volume of traffic on the B3079.

She added: "People who walk or cycle through Bramshaw often feel they're taking their life in their hands. One of the biggest concerns is the speed of lorries on the bend beside Wiltshire Cottage."

Cllr Shaughnessy's suggestion will be included in the next edition of the parish newsletter to gauge public reaction to the idea.