PARISH councillors will be able to patrol a village’s streets after securing a grant to pay for a community speed camera.

The equipment has been paid for after Elmstead Parish Council’s funding bid was accepted by the office Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex.

The council hopes to deter speeding motorists.

Stan Beecham, who sits on Elmstead Parish Council, said: “This is something new for us, but when the idea came up, we had people in the village backing it.

“The feeling is, if we can do anything to make the village safer, we should do it.”

If drivers are caught once, some will receive a letter.

If they are caught two times, they will be given an official warning.

The third time a motorist is caught over the limit will result in a fine.

Volunteers aged over 18 are being sought to help in the scheme.

To get involved, contact parish clerk Vikki Howard on 01206 827139 or email elmsteadparish@gmail.com.

Volunteers are expected to be out from March.