A SPEED indicator device has been “ripped” from a lamppost on the South Esplanade in Burnham-on-Sea.

Burnham and Highbridge Town Council has posted pictures of the damage on its Facebook page as it investigates how to repair the system.

Witnesses are asked to contact the police with information about the incident, which is believed to have taken place at 11pm on Tuesday, May 14.

A spokesperson said: “The town council was dismayed to see that one of the town's speed indicator devices (SID) has been put out of operation by someone who intentionally ‘ripped’ the unit from the lamppost to which it was attached on the South Esplanade.

“The vandalism is very disappointing and it has resulted in the removal of the SID, rendering it out of action.

“We understand the importance of the SID in promoting road safety and its role in alerting drivers to their speed as they drive through our town.

“The absence of this device may have caused concern among residents who value the safety measures it provides.”

The town council purchased the unit after locals expressed concern about speeding drivers in Burnham and Highbridge.

“The majority of drivers do respond to the SID and slow down if they see they are travelling at speeds greater than 30mph, and the statistics show that the device has an impact on the overall traffic speed,” the spokesperson added.

“The council is investigating how to fix the system. This will inevitably result in costs to the council, which will impact other services it undertakes.”

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson said: “At 11.20am on Friday (May 17) we received an online report a speed indicator device had been ripped off a lamppost on South Esplanade, Burnham-on-Sea.

“The incident was reported to have happened at around 11pm on Tuesday, May 14.

“Anyone who witnessed the damage being caused, has dashcam footage or information which could help identify those responsible, is asked to phone 101 and provide the call handler with the reference 5224127215.”