A VILLAGE traffic plan has been drawn up in a bid to stop speeding cars destroying the quality of life for villagers in Flackwell Heath.

Flackwell Heath Residents' Association (FHRA) proposed the plan to reduce the potential danger of traffic incidents in the area. It has been up for public consultation in the Flackwell Heath library, in Chapel Road, for the past week and will remain there for another two months.

The plan was announced at the FHRA's AGM back in March.

David Onslow, head of the FHRA's traffic and police sub group, said: "We have spent over a year on this. Councillor Mike Appleyard has been in consultation with us and is delivering the plan."

The plan was instigated following numerous complaints from residents after calming measures were introduced in 2002. Complaints were then raised at a public meeting held in 2003 and at the AGMs in 2005 and 2006.

According to Mr Onslow, speed bumps mean residents have lost on-street parking and there is no alternative off-street parking.

He said: "The plan is to slow down the speed of traffic in the village and get people to drive more carefully."

The problem hot spots include Heath End Road and Swains Lane. The association suggested the speed limit be reduced to 20mph throughout Flackwell Heath and for appropriate signs to be erected.

It also recommended the removal of a majority of the speed cushions and replacing them with width restrictions, pedestrian crossings and moving some of the bus stops to safer locations.

Mr Onslow said the village had a high population of elderly residents and "there have been lots of near misses".

An open day is being held on June 23 at Flackwell Heath Community Centre for people to air their views and study the plan.