FOUR new Quiet Lane signs which warn motorists to beware of walkers, cyclists and horse riders were removed within hours of being installed in Rodborough.

Three signs in Rodborough Lane were pulled out of drying concrete after being put in place by Gloucestershire highways on Wednesday while a further sign in Dark Lane was taken on Saturday.

More signs are due to be erected as part of a project costing £6,500 funded by the county and parish council.

It will cost the parish council more than £1,000 to replace the four signs and have them reinstalled.

Karen McKeown, chairman of Rodborough Parish Council, said: "This scheme was not something dreamt up by the parish council - speeding on the roads was an issue raised by residents when we were making a parish plan four years ago.

"The scheme seemed generally well-received but there were a few objections, mostly to do with the amount of signs and confusion over the speed limit."

Quiet Lane signs are a Countryside Agency initiative, supported by the Department for Transport.

Large signs are put up at the beginning and at the end of roads with smaller repeater signs on corners.

Parish councillors also successfully campaigned for a 20mph speed limit on the lanes.

Stan Waddington, GCC cabinet member for environment, said: "Rodborough Parish Council asked us to introduce Quiet Lane signs in this area to help manage traffic.

"Local support for such a scheme is essential so the parish council contacted local residents and held a public meeting and the residents who attended were very supportive.

"I was absolutely disgusted to hear that some of these signs have been stolen already. Please be assured, this is a criminal offence and action will be taken against the culprit if they are found."

Anyone with information should contact police on 0845 090 1234.

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