Signs set to go (From Stroud News and Journal)

Signs set to go

ROAD signs which have cost the taxpayer £1,400 are likely to be taken down after a string of complaints.

Gloucestershire County Council plans to remove the bright yellow signs in Minchinhampton after people branded them eyesores which spoil the look of the historic town.

The 2ft sq signs were recently put up along Bell Lane and outside Minchinhampton Parochial School to stop drivers parking during school hours.

Canon Michael Irving, rector at Minchinhampton's Holy Trinity Church, is among those opposed to the signs.

He said: "The signs are just outside my church and I am concerned that there are so many outside a place of worship.

"The zigzag lines should be enough to stop people.

"Having great big notices that are too high anyway will not make a difference, in fact they are dangerous because they distract people."

Parish councillor Katy Jarvis said: "Of course I realise there has to be a balance between safety and aesthetics but these signs are totally over the top and unsuitable for a lovely market town like ours."

But GCC chiefs say zigzag lines indicating no parking outside the school are only legally enforceable if they are accompanied by the signs.

Police will patrol the streets outside the school to raise awareness of the lines and make sure drivers do not park there.

If this campaign is successful the county council says the signs will come down in a month or two.

Stan Woddington is county councillor for Minchinhampton and portfolio holder for environment.

He said: "People need to be aware of the importance of observing the signs and ensuring children are safe.

"Once this happens then we will remove the signs."