PROPOSALS to dig up controversial speed humps on a busy Basingstoke road - at a cost of £100,000 to the taxpayer - have been branded "a waste of money" by some local residents.

In the Gazette on Monday, November 6, we exclusively reported how Councillor Horace Mitchell, the borough's Cabinet member for transport, wants to see the traffic-calming humps on Pack Lane ripped up and replaced with signs that flash warnings at speeding motorists.

Cllr Mitchell said: "It is something I definitely want to do." He said he would seek to set aside money for it in 2008-9 after trying out speed signs on other roads. The trial is likely to start before Christmas this year.

The 15 sets of humps and three raised junctions were laid in 2003 at a cost of £115,000 by the council's previous Labour/ Liberal Democrat leaders - despite a 1,700-name petition against them.

Some opposition Conservatives vowed to remove them if their party took control - which they did last May.

But not all of those who live on the road are now convinced that digging up the humps would be a good use of money.

One Pack Lane resident, 62-year-old John Parker, has branded Cllr Mitchell's plans as "absolutely ridiculous".

"The humps are a nuisance but we've got used to them," he said.

"I certainly don't want any flashing lights outside my house."

Another resident, Alan Johnson, 66, admitted the humps looked a mess but said he would keep them because they slowed traffic.

"They look cheap and nasty but they slow down the traffic, which is what they're supposed to do," he said.

Regarding the speed indicator devices, he said: "I think the council could spend the money on something better. The people who don't want to go slow, won't."

Hairdresser Julia Paynter, 60, said she was quite happy with the speed humps. "I'd rather they stayed now," she said.

"At first, everyone thought they were a nuisance but people have learned to live with them. I think the council should leave them alone. Removing them would be a waste of money."

Some residents, however, believe Cllr Mitchell is spot on.

Retired nurse Ursula Nicholls, 57, said the speed indicator device was a good idea.

She said: "I think it's a good idea to remove the humps, despite the cost, because of the damage they do to cars.

"I also don't think the humps have done their job."

And Olive Gardiner, 71, agreed. "The road humps are a bit of a menace. I do not think they slow the cars down. I would like to see them go."