PLANS to reduce controversial speed limits on Highcliffe roads are one step closer to fruition despite a row between campaigners and the local residents association.

A report due to go to the roads and rights of way committee at Dorset County Council on Thursday supports a proposal to reduce the speed limit from 40mph to 30mph along Lymington Road and Hoburne Road.

A campaign group – the Lymington Road Action Group (LRAG) – was established last year petitioning Christchurch council for a number of improvements to the busy road.

The organisation, comprised of Lymington Road residents, has seen its case to slow motorists down supported by local councillors.

A public consultation took place in November 2010 garnering opinions for and against, with formal support from ward councillors John Lofts and Trish Jamieson.

But recently, following comments by a member of Highcliffe Residents Association’s committee objecting to the proposed measure on Lymington Road, residents feared that the fight would be lost.

John Mather, chairman of Highcliffe Residents Association said: “We have not formally opposed it. At the moment there are lots of different speed limits along that road and on connecting roads so we would like to see some continuity.”

However, an email from Robin Ede, secretary at Highcliffe Residents Association has been submitted with the report, objecting to the scheme on the grounds that the 40mph limit is ‘perfectly satisfactory as it is.’ LRAG chairman Bob Denney said he would have thought the residents association would support the scheme and get behind what local residents want.

The report to the committee on Thursday will also look at reducing the speed limit to 30mph on Hoburne Lane in Highcliffe near Highcliffe School. Concerns have risen about the safety of youngsters travelling to school.