HIGHCLIFFE residents are calling for a reduction in the speed limit through the town centre.

In a petition presented to Christchurch Borough Coun-cil’s full council meeting on Tuesday, Malcolm Mawbey, on behalf of the Highcliffe Centre Partnership, submitted the petition calling for the speed limit to be dropped from 30mph to 20mph.

The Partnership has made a number of improvements to Highcliffe village centre recently as part of its ongoing revitalisation.

And they are also looking to dispel the myth of Highcliffe being the ‘town that time forgot’, feeling it is often judged on the large number of elderly people who live there.

At the full council meeting, former councillor Mr Mawbey called on the council to support the reduction in the speed limit from 30mph to 20mph. He said the majority of the shoppers were elderly and said there is significant congestion in rush hour through the village.

“The reduction would also improve safety and would be expected to improve the flow of traffic by making more time for traffic to clear,” he added.

Mr Mawbey said the council had already proposed to introduce calming measures as part of the Core Strategy.

The petition also said that cyclists found the traffic a problem.

Earlier this month the partnership, formed to encourage more people to shop in Highcliffe, unveiled new signs in the village.

And members have also attracted support from retail consultant, Mary Portas, who is delighted that they are intent on making things happen.

Events including a Highcliffe Revival Food Festival have also been organised to boost the campaign.

In 2011, the speed limit on Lymington Road was changed from 40mph to 30mph after a campaign by residents.