HUNDREDS of Eastleigh residents have won the first round in their battle to slam the brakes on traffic speed and rat-running through the Newtown area of the town.

After receiving a petition bearing more than 300 signatures, Eastleigh civic chiefs included the area in their list of priority traffic studies for the coming year.

Newtown Residents' Association chairman Cecile Snell told the borough's Eastleigh Local Area Committee that residents wanted a 20mph "home zone" to protect children going to The Crescent Primary School and residential streets in the area.

She said a survey of about 550 homes showed support for the petition from 365 and only four objections, and that the school is developing a "walking bus" for pupils.

Cecile said: "The bulk of them live in the Newtown area and the home zone would improve the safety of the walking bus."

The area is plagued by vehicles rat-running in a bid to avoid queues in Leigh Road, Romsey Road and Twyford Road.

Committee member Dave Davenport said there was "overwhelming enthusiasm" from residents for a 20mph home safety zone.

He said: "The Newtown area is very family-orientated. Lots of the kids go to The Crescent school. We would like to turn the clock back a bit and make it a place for children and families rather than for cars to run around in."

Councillor Wayne Irish thanked the residents' association for its hard work on the issue.