CHIPPENHAM NEWS: A MUM-OF-TWO is forming a petition to demand speed- calming measures where her children play.

Karen Hunter, 26, of Hill Rise, Chippenham, said her children Jordan, seven, and Owen, five, have already come close to being hit a number of times by cars speeding up the hill.

Houses in Hill Rise surround a central patch of grass where children play football and ride their bikes.

But there are no speed bumps, signs or traffic calming measures to protect the children.

Now Ms Hunter has decided to get a petition together to present to Wiltshire County Council and has already got about 60 signatures.

She said: "About a week ago when my son was just about to cross this car just flew up the road and about four people screamed at him. The car didn't even stop.

"My two have been nearly hit twice by cars and we have also got a problem with young lads on motorbikes racing up and down.

"I have to just stand out there and watch them all the time. There is a park up on the top green but the kids have got to cross two roads to get there.

"I tend not to let them out to play now or if they really do want to I try to go out and watch them. I worry about the time when a car is going extra fast and they get hit."

Ms Hunter has lived in her Hill Rise house with her partner, Paul Addey, a Chippenham postman, for more than seven years and said the problems have got worse recently.

Neighbour Helen Williams, who has four children, said: "It's horrendous the speed the cars go along there."

Lisa Younger, also from Hill Rise, who has two young children, said: "I don't think you would get anybody in this area not supporting a petition for speed humps."

Ms Hunter hopes to get at least 150 names on her petition and plans to appeal to MP James Gray for help.

MP James Gray said: "I very much look forward to meeting them and discussing the matter with them. It is quite a fast hill and I can see why they are concerned."