A GROUP of neighbours have complained to the local government watchdog about the way in which Cumbria County Council handled a row over a contentious set of speed humps.

The residents have asked Local Government Ombudsman Patricia Thomas to investigate the saga of the speed humps in Kendal's Vicarage Park.

The humps were installed in 2002 as part of a 20mph traffic calming scheme, but residents complained they were higher than in other areas and too severe.

The neighbours organised a petition, attracting 346 signatures, to keep the 20mph limit but to ditch the humps. The humps are still in place, although three have been reduced in height.

Rob Kirkham, who is one of a group of neighbours who would like the issue of the humps to be reviewed, said they hoped the ombudsman would consider the "lack of recognition" that had been given to the petition.

They are also unhappy about a consultation that CCC carried out following the petition last year. The residents claimed that the questionnaire asked if residents agreed with the speed limit and the traffic calming measures, and did not give them the opportunity to back the limit without supporting the speed humps.

The neighbours have also asked the ombudsman to look into the road traffic order and whether the humps should have been built as high as they were in the first place.

Mr Kirkham said they hoped that by complaining to the ombudsman, who can rule on maladministration by local authorities, they would be able to initiate a full debate.

"What we have lobbied for all along is a proper consultation with a view to examining properly all the options there are for enforcing the speed limit. If it were generally the wish of everybody to keep it as it is, then fine, but we don't think it is."

Cumbria County Council spokesman Denis Inch said the authority had received a copy of the complaint and was investigating it.

Although the council could not comment while this was taking place, it would be making a reply to the ombudsman, and would take on board whatever she decided.

He said: "We always do take account of any comments that are made (by the ombudsman)."