CAMPAIGNERS in Westerleigh fighting for a weight restriction to stop lorries travelling through their village are claiming victory.

Members of the Westerleigh Village Residents Association (WVRA) say they are confident a weight restriction scheme is to be introduced in the village in the New Year after receiving an unofficial thumbs up from the council.

They say the scheme, which won funding in the Frome Vale Area Forum in March 2006, has finally been approved by South Gloucestershire Council's executive members, despite no formal word from the council as yet on the decision.

The group has been campaigning for the introduction of an HGV weight restriction in Westerleigh ever since a village survey in 2005 called for the scheme.

WVRA member Julie Morse said they had received an email from the council confirming the scheme would go ahead.

She said: "The roads in Westerleigh are simply not suitable to take the volume of HGV traffic which we experience, especially when there are areas of the village without footpaths, increasing the danger to pedestrians.

"The problem is also exacerbated by vehicles trying to find Westerleigh Business Park, which is not situated in the village."

Fellow member Eve Carey said: "We are delighted with the news and look forward to a safer and more quiet lorry free village in the New Year."

Cllr Brian Allinson, executive member for planning, transportation and strategic environment, said they would announce a decision early next year.

He said: "Following concerns raised by local residents about the amount of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) going through Westerleigh Village, the council carried out a count and found over 100 HGVs travelled through the village in a 12 hour period.

"With this information and the views we have received from local residents we are currently considering the best course of action to help residents and a decision is planned for January 2008."