Shropshire Star

Residents near Shropshire beauty spot make noise over signs

Signs put up at a Shropshire beauty spot asking walkers to talk quietly while using the footpaths have infuriated not only those who use it, but many of nearby residents.

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The signs were put up on the gates into Lyth Hill country park last week, after apparent complaints from one householder to Shropshire Council.

They stated: "Please have consideration for residents who live opposite the footpath, and talk QUIETLY! Please keep noise along the path to a minimum."

But others were so embarrassed and 'disgusted' that they retorted with their own signs they they tied on their garden gates encouraging walkers to 'laugh, talk and enjoy the area'.

The Shropshire Council signs have since been taken down, after local councillor, Roger Evans stepped in. But they have left an uneasy atmosphere in the village.

Deryn Oliver, who lives in neighbouring Bayston Hill said dozens of residents were furious after the signs went up.

Mrs Oliver, 45, who is a beauty therapist, said: "I regularly walk my dog there and we are all so angry. The sign said something like please use consideration for the residents who live directly opposite the foot path then in in big bold red writing it said to walk quietly.

"It didn't look like a professional sign at all yet it had a Shropshire Council logo on it, we are all completely disgusted.

"We have completely retaliated ourselves with our own signs and told people to talk, laugh, and enjoy the footpath as much as they want."

Chairman of the residents' association Carol Gibbons said she feels completely incensed by the signs. Mrs Gibbons said: "We are incensed that it only takes one resident to complain for such offensive and off-putting signs to go up."

"There have been a lot of nasty comments going on and we want visitors to enjoy coming here."

Councillor Evans said yesterday that the signs were now being taken down so that there could be proper consultation with local residents.

"There has been problems in the past but some of the residents feel that the wording on the new signs in not appropriate. We will be consulting with local people about whether they want signs to be put up and if so, where and how they should be worded."

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