ANGRY residents are demanding immediate action over fears their village is turning into a “death trap”.

Residents of Pontnewydd say they are fed up of cars speeding past their homes like a rally track.

Sue Law, whose mother lives at the Ladywell pensioners complex, in Richmond Road, said a zebra crossing is “desperately needed”.

“It’s like a death trap trying to cross the road,” she added.

“My mam was almost knocked down last week because of people ignoring the limit.

“We struggled to get on the pavement because she uses a wheelchair.

“A zebra crossing right outside Ladywell would have helped us.”

Other anxious residents say a speed camera should be installed to help solve the problem.

Joe Chesterman has launched an online petition calling for measures to be introduced.

“’We as a community are taking a stand,” said Mr Chesterman, the Conservative party candidate for the Pontnewydd ward.

“This is a matter of public safety and it needs to be resolved as soon as possible.

“I launched the petition because I hope people will sign it and something can be sorted.

“Parking is a nightmare and I’ve seen near-miss accidents.”

Brian Mawby, the agent for the three Labour party candidates for the Cwmbran ward, said: "Everyone is keen on improving road safety in the village, but you are targeting the wrong body, by criticising the council.

“You say the council has carried out too many roadworks in the village, but the only work undertaken recently by the council is the scheme to increase the size of the pavements, which was needed to enable the whole village area to be designated a 20mph zone.

“The real problem in the village which endangers people, is the anti-social parking by some selfish drivers."

A Torfaen council spokesperson said: “There is no suitable location to site a controlled pedestrian crossing in Pontnewydd village and the area would not qualify for a permanent speed camera.

“We have recently completed a road safety scheme in the village designed to reduce driver speed, including a reduction in the speed limit to 20 mph along with associated signage that will be installed shortly.”

To view the petition, visit http://bit.ly/2ov2ycT