THE New Community Speedwatch champion for Warminster has been asked to help to close a popular 'rat-run' for drivers.

David Smith, 79, wants Cllr Denis Brett, a Warminster Town councillor, to help lobby Wiltshire Council to have Chain Lane closed at its southern end where it meets Smallbrook Road.

He says speeding motorists using the lane are placing pedestrians', cyclists' and children's lives at risk.

Mr Smith, who lives in Chain Lane, said: "Closing Chain Lane to through traffic by the erection of a physical barrier at the southern end would solve the problem completely."

He told Cllr Brett: "Perhaps, as our champion, you will take up cudgels on behalf of those of us who daily endure the risks of illegal and dangerous drivers of rat-running vehicles."

Mr Smith said restrictions to through traffic has worked well in other roads such as The Avenue and Woodcock Lane.