Campaigners for the installation of a new solar-powered speed awareness camera in Blackfordby say it will play a key role in continuing to reduce the speed of vehicles through the village.

Ashby de la Zouch Town Council has funded the updated camera and arranged for its installation.

The new device replaces the battery-powered speed camera on Heath Lane - although that will continue to be used elsewhere in Blackfordby.

The Council Leader Councillor John Coxon expressed his delight at the success of the camera.

Cllr Coxon said: "I am very pleased that the Town Council was able to support campaigners in Blackfordby with financial assistance to purchase and install the solar-powered speed awareness camera.

"There has been a real problem with vehicles speeding through the village for many years.

"Although the camera will not eliminate the problem, it will go some way to making drivers more aware of their speed and provide important information and data which can be passed onto Leicestershire Police.

"Local residents Simon Best, Lawrie Newton and Brian Hammond are doing an excellent job in monitoring the issue of speeding. All power to their elbow!"

Simon Best, who lives on Heath Lane, has been one of the main campaigners for the installation of the speed awareness camera and said: "Everyone connected with the campaign to reduce the speed of vehicles through the village is really pleased that the impact of the speed awareness camera has had.

"There has been a marked reduction of the number of vehicles speeding up and down Heath Lane. The camera produces a lot of very accurate data which is shared with the Town Council and Leicestershire Police.

"We originally had a battery-operated camera but we have now upgraded it to a solar-powered version which is much more efficient.

"The old camera will now be used elsewhere in the village. We are very grateful for the financial support of the Town Council in purchasing the camera and arranging for its installation."

Councillor Mrs Gill Hoult the ward member for Blackfordby added: "There is a real community effort behind this initiative to reduce speeding through the village and I am very pleased that their efforts are being rewarded.

"The issue of vehicles travelling too quickly for the road conditions has plagued Blackfordby, and many other rural communities for too long, so it is great to see some action to try and address the problem."