Villagers at Loggerheads with signs pointing the wrong way

MOTORISTS are taking the wrong roads through a village – because its road signs are so confusing.

Villagers in Loggerheads have been battling with Staffordshire County Council for two years to get 20 signs replaced or repositioned.

They claim signs to Ashley and Woore send motorists the wrong way and signs welcoming drivers on the A53 are damaged or missing.

Parish councillor Ashley Howells says the neglected signs are risking public safety and sending out a bad impression to visitors.

He said: "The Loggerheads sign which welcomes drivers on the Shropshire side is probably in the worst state. It is completely faded and dilapidated.

"The signposts give a very bad impression to visitors entering our so-called creative county. If we cannot get a sign right, what does it say about our artistic skills?

"We have been met with endless excuses. It is utter neglect on the part of the county council."

Lisa Hawkins, from Loggerheads, says no-one could find their way to her birthday party at Ashley Memorial Hall recently because of the Ashley signpost.

The 34-year-old, of Burntwood View, said: "The sign is in no-man's land – it does not really point to Ashley or the A53.

"And the signpost for Woore points towards Eccleshall.

"The state of the other signs is disgusting. The signs have got worn away or been damaged because of trucks using our roads, particularly when there are problems on the M6."

Scott Brady, aged 38, of Newcastle Road, Loggerheads, says the signposts are a safety risk because the A53 is a very fast road.

He said: "The speed limit should be 40 or 50mph but motorbikers race through. It is also a heavily-used truck route.

"The state of the signs is shocking and it's only a matter of time before a serious accident happens.

"We are neglected in comparison to other villages in the area."

Parish clerk Jess Jenkinson, aged 33, from Hugo Way, said "The signs are a complete eyesore.

"There are lots of signs missing or damaged and posts are missing as well.

"They have been like that for months. I cannot believe how long it is taking to get the problem resolved."

A county council spokesman said: "The problem has been identified and will be dealt with imminently."