THE Oxford Mail has received dozens of calls from readers wanting to offer their support for Ian 'Digger' Beesley.

Many said they too were being kept awake by vibrations and noise from vehicles braking to go over speed bumps outside their homes.

Peter Matthews, 74, of Oxford Street, Woodstock, said: "If you don't take the law into your own hands, nothing gets done."

Keith Brooks, 56, of Horspath, said nothing seemed to happen unless the media got involved.

Blackbird Leys parish councillor Cyril Martin, 75, of Merlin Road, Oxford, said traffic-calming put in 10 years ago in Blackbird Leys to stop joy-riding had proved unpopular.

"It inconveniences the majority when they should target the minority who cause the problems," he said.

Chris Harris, of Nunnery Close, Blackbird Leys, Oxford, said: "This issue is far deeper than Mr Beesley digging up a hump in the road.

"I'm fed up with telephoning the council, only to be put through to several different people who aren't interested in anything you have to say."

Not everyone agreed.

A 30-year-old Summertown man, who did not want to be named, said he was disgusted, adding: "These humps are vital for slowing down traffic."

Sid Phelps, 39, of East Avenue, Oxford, said Mr Beesley should have respected the council initiative.