SPEEDING motorists and pushy drivers could be a thing of the past in Warminster as a new plan for pedestrians to reclaim the streets was put into action.

The garrison town has received £600,000 of government and county council money to implement the project, known as Home Zones.

Home Zones are an attempt to strike a balance between vehicles and everyone else who uses the street pedestrians, cyclists, business people and residents.

They work through the physical alteration of roads in an area, forcing motorists to drive slower and with greater care.

Wiltshire County Council project manager, Nik Dixon, and Warminster mayor, Chris March, recently visited the areas of Westleigh and Princecroft Lane to discuss the improvement work with residents.

Cllr March said: "A steering group for the Westleigh area has now been set up and work can progress."

The officer and mayor found residents were concerned over parking problems in the narrower streets and were worried tight parking between cars could stop emergency vehicles passing through.

But the council and mayor want to see more open spaces and greenery that will not only help to calm traffic but also provide play areas for children.

Mr Dixon said: "The small patches of grass are not suitable and that is all there is at the moment."

The project manager said the scheme should enable more people to get out and about on foot or bike, helping to reduce traffic congestion and pollution.

An initial consultation evening to set up the steering group and discuss the traffic problems was held last month, where many people showed their enthusiasm to take part.

They will work with the council to try to plan the improvements and carry out detailed surveys.

Officials hope to achieve some of the project's goals within the next six months.