AN "invisible" community with a proud steel heritage is demanding the return of its village signs.

The Grove, near Consett, has been without its name signs for almost two years, after the old ones were taken down.

John Hinds, secretary of The Grove Residents' Association, said: "If you look at an aerial view of The Grove, it is a triangular shape.

"We think we should rename it the Bernuda Triangle, as we feel we are invisible. We want our identity back."

The village used to have two signs - one near The Grove Methodist Chapel and one at the top of Mutton Clog Bank, on the way to Blackhill. "We have been asking Durham County Council to replace the signs for nearly two years," said Mr Hinds.

"But we keep getting told there isn't the money in the coffers to do it.

"We are probably the only place in the county that doesn't have name plates. We don't want anything fancy - just our old signs back."

The village was built in the 19th century to provide accommodation for the men who laboured at the iron works in Consett and their families.

It was named after a row of trees planted in the 1800s, along Hallgarth and Hall Road, still there today.

"We are very proud of The Grove and its history," added Mr Hinds. "A lot of new houses are going up on the old steel works site and people are afraid that The Grove will eventually be swallowed up by Consett.

"Having the village signs back would go a long way towards reassuring people that we still have a village identity."

Ward county councillor Clive Robson said: "I had a site visit there last Monday with our highways inspector. "We have identified the sites, we have got the money for the signs and will consult with the residents before we order them. I have been assured that once the order is in, the signs will be up within two months." Coun Robson is paying for the signs out of his initiative fund. At the same time, he will buy two signs for Moorside, which borders The Grove, and three new signs for Consett town centre.