A SPEED camera burnt down by arsonists 10 months ago will not be replaced until nearly the middle of next year, it has emerged.

A SPEED camera burnt down by arsonists 10 months ago will not be replaced until nearly the middle of next year, it has emerged.

Traffic safety bosses will wait until they upgrade all Suffolk's fixed cameras, probably next May, with digital technology instead of carrying out repairs on the damaged device at Stonham Aspal, near Stowmarket.

But a Mid Suffolk councillor who lives 100 yards from the camera has warned people are now abusing the situation and going through the village at dangerous speeds.

Tony Fowler, who has responsibility for the Stonhams ward, said: “We have noticed living so close people have twigged there is not one there and scuttling through at a rapid rate of knots above what the speed limit is.”

A fixed speed camera was installed on the A140 at Angel Hill, Stonham Aspal, in 2003 after it was identified as one of the eight most dangerous spots in the county.

The road, with a 30mph limit, has since seen a big drop in accidents.

Michelle Finnerty, communications manager for Suffolk SafeCam, said they were continuing to carry out random mobile enforcement at Stonham Aspal in the meantime.