THE appearance of a fake speed camera on Tower Hill in Williton has been causing a stir among motorists, the police and local authorities.

The box was put up on the side of a tree in the grounds of a house there - and it seems the distinctive yellow and grey box could become a permanent fixture on the local street scene.

While West Somerset Council is investigating whether planning permission is needed for the 'camera', Avon and Somerset Constabulary said that as far as they were concerned no laws were being broken.

A spokesman confirmed officers had visited the property and spoken to the owner who, she said, had told them the camera was a bird box.

Meanwhile, a spokesman for Somerset County Council said: "As this item is on private property, it does not come under the jurisdiction of Somerset County Council as the highway authority.

"However, we have asked the police and the local planning authority to investigate to see if it infringes any legislation that they deal with."

Photo: Steve Guscott