Residents of Greendock Street in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, were left baffled after a 'School: Keep Clear' sign was painted on the road outside their homes — despite the school having moved 15 years ago.
Resident's Shock
Hassan Ali, who lives on the street, was on holiday in Budapest when his neighbour informed him about the sign, which appeared in the early hours of Friday morning. 'The school moved 15 years ago. Plus, even if there is a school, the access should be over there, not in front of my house,' he said.
Council's Apology
The blunder prompted local media attention and forced the council's Labour leader, Jane Ashworth, to apologise. 'There clearly isn't a school there,' she admitted. The council quickly covered the yellow sign with black paint, but the letters remain visible.
Residents' Reactions
Ali believes the attention forced the council to act. 'Because of all the hoo-ha, they acted immediately. Now we got the sign, but in black,' he said. He added, 'Typical council — the people sitting in the office don't have any ideas.'
Lee Evans, another resident, said he noticed the sign on Friday and it became a topic of conversation. 'Why've they put a school sign there when there's no school no more? They probably got the wrong piece of paper. Gone off the old plans, I reckon,' he said.
Cost and Responsibility
Ashworth said she was embarrassed by the mistake and the authority would review the issue. Ali wants to know who signed off on the plan and how much it cost. 'Who's going to pay for it? Me. They're going to add it to the council tax,' he speculated.
Stoke-on-Trent council has been contacted for comment.
