A RURAL parish council has issued a plea to an ‘unknown person’ after the speed camera in the village was reportedly tampered with.

Holsworthy Hamlets Parish Council said that the camera, which was reversed so it could be used for gathering data of vehicles entering or leaving the village has been the subject of interference.

They have issued a warning that by interfering with the machine, data could be compromised, risk damage to the machine, its solar panel or indeed, cause potential harm to the perpetrator if the machine was to come off of its brackets.

They added that there will soon be another community speedwatch session to participate in, to coincide with the peak times of speeding in the village and that they would welcome new volunteers to join its team with the project, with full training provided. It is especially keen to hear from individuals within Chilsworthy.

A spokesperson for Holsworthy Hamlets Parish Council said: “Another community speedwatch session is scheduled to take place in Chilsworthy shortly to coincide with the peak times of speeding into the village, however the speedwatch team would welcome new volunteers to come forward to help with the project, especially from Chilsworthy. Full training is provided, so if you’re interested in joining the team, please contact the Parish Clerk of Holsworthy Hamlets Parish Council.

“Recently the speed camera in Chilsworthy was reversed because it is used to gather data of vehicles entering or leaving the village. Unfortunately, on two occasions, an unknown person(s) has turned the camera back round the other way. Interfering with the machine compromises the data, risks damage to the machine or solar panel and potential harm to yourself, if the machine were to come off its brackets, so please do not adjust the camera yourself.”