Residents and business owners in the narrow, but heavily used, thoroughfare have long complained about vehicles travelling at high speeds past parked cars and pedestrians.

And with five accidents of varying severity in recent years - the last of which saw a car upended on its roof - they feel they have a strong argument.

However, a recent survey by council authorities turned up little evidence of speeding, and officers have since knocked back any talk of possible road improvements in favour of more active policing on the issue.

But that has not stopped those behind the campaign, who believe there is still a problem and that policing is only part of the solution if the authorities are to tackle "the Brechin grand prix circuit".

"We need a pedestrian crossing or some sort of traffic calming measures," said local business owner Stuart Archibald, who runs the Cathedral Kilts shop in Church Street. "Some active policing would be beneficial as well.

"We are about to start up a petition. We've got nearly all the residents nearby wanting to sign it, and also many of those in St. David Street and on the High Street too.

"Tourists are encouraged to park in the car park and step merrily out of it and out in front of cars because they are unfamiliar with the road and many expect cars to be coming from the other direction. School kids cross there as well.

"They say it isn't an accident black spot when there have been five accidents on the street in the past few years.

"I spoke to councillor Mairi Evans about it and she spoke to the roads department.

"They've since put up an average speed box, but the officers are saying nobody is speeding - but they've put it in completely the wrong position.

"The Head of Roads sent us a letter back after the survey and it was very bland and very negative; there is no interest from the department in any traffic calming measure on the Brechin City grand prix circuit," he added.

Mr Archibald now plans to carry out the local petition and get as many MPs, MSPs and councillors behind the issue to lend it more weight.

However, council officers are not convinced of the need for new measures and, in a letter to councillor Evans' recent query, which was forwarded onto Mr Archibald, they argue that the data doesn't justify any change to the status quo.

During the week-long survey in January it was found that the average speed of vehicles using Church Street was just 23.4mph, with 85% of the cars passing through travelling at less than 28.1mph, and no vehicles going harder than 36mph.

"I can confirm that the "black box" speed-recording device was placed in Church Street from January 23 to 30," said head of roads, Jeff Green.

"The speed survey results shows that there is not speeding problem in Church Street.

"It was agreed at the meeting that there may be issues with unsociable driver behaviour, boy racers, on occasion, but it was pointed out this was a matter for police enforcement... Tayside Police are aware of the reported concerns.

"With regards your request... for physical traffic calming measures, it was pointed out that traffic calming would not be a viable option for Church Street.

"Physical traffic calming measures, road humps or cushions, must be preceded by a speed reducing feature, such as a junction.

"Church Street is one-way and runs continuously, westbound, from the High Street," he added.

He also argued that any speed measures would cause problems of access for ambulances and goods deliveries, and increased noise levels for local residents.

However, local councillor Mairi Evans has expressed her disappointment that the issue will not be taken any further by council officers and has warned it is only a "matter of time" before someone is seriously injured.

"I had been approached by both residents and local business owners of Church Street last year, and was made aware of the problem of dangerous driving in the area," she said.

"This has been a long and ongoing problem as a number of drivers are blatantly ignoring the speed restrictions and as a result, there have been a number of serious incidents in the past.

"I have already met with Council officials and Tayside Police with regard to this issue and a temporary speed camera was put in place for a period of time, but unfortunately it has been recommended that nothing be done. I am deeply disappointed with this response and am actively pursuing the issue as it is simply too important to be ignored.

"If nothing is done soon, it will only be a matter of time before someone is seriously injured. I intend to ensure that all possibilities for making the street safe are examined and action taken because the safety of the public should not be put at risk any longer.

"I hope that by pursuing this issue with the support of those in Church Street, that measures will be put in place to curb speeding once and for all along Church Street and help prevent further accident or injury," she added.