Council points out signpost thefts

3:15pm Tuesday 7th October 2008

THIEVES have been uprooting the helpful signposts that guide walkers, cyclists and horse riders along South Lakeland’s footpaths and bridleways.

Around a dozen wooden finger signs, which cost Cumbria County Council £120 each to install, have been taken at Whinfell, near Kendal, Lowick, near Coniston, and Mansriggs, near Ulverston.

In some circumstances, where the stolen signs have been replaced, the new signs have been stolen as well.

Also, contractors working for the council installing replacement signs have been met by resistance from people illegally objecting to the signs being put up.

Andrew Coleman, countryside access manager for Cumbria County Council, said: “The problem is big enough to cause some concern and we want the public to be aware of it. We want the public to feel confident to where they can go off the road.”