A NEWLY-erected road sign at Skutterskelfe, near Hutton Rudby, could be repositioned to the outermost edge of the hamlet, in the hope that a resident will no longer feel excluded.

Two new signs were placed there a few months ago - at significant effort and expense - to the delight of most residents and councillors.

Many people had felt the small community's name and identity had become threatened. This was because it had no boundary signs featuring its name, and because the elegant Skutterskelfe Hall was renamed Rudby Hall during the Nineties.

At the time, part of the imposing building was home to a chemical firm, which often had international visitors. Locals quipped the name change was designed for the benefit of foreign businessmen, who were reputedly unable to pronounce the name Skutterskelfe.

Disorientated chemical experts were said to be lost on country lanes, unable to find Skutterskelfe, locate it on maps or even ask for directions.

Now, Rudby Parish Council has learnt that at least one Skutterskelfe resident has requested the new boundary signs be shifted.

Speaking at the latest Rudby parish meeting, chairman Coun Judith Follows said: "North Yorkshire County Council has been contacted by a resident who lives on the Stokesley side of the new sign. The proposal is that they move the sign toward Stokesley. It is currently outside Rook House."

But Coun John Richardson, who was one of those instrumental in getting the new signs erected, was rather taken aback.

"I don't think it's relevant. Even in Hutton Rudby, the village signs are not exactly on the boundary."

But clerk Ann Pyle explained: "The resident feels excluded from Skutterskelfe and wants to be included."

Some councillors suggested the resident pay for any repositioning work, but Coun Follows said the county council would apparently cover the costs.

Coun Richardson remained unconvinced, remarking: "Well, we will have to go to all the local authorities again, to check about the position of underground cables and pipes. It's a bit of a waste of money.

"Does the person living at the other end of Skutterskelfe, at Skutterskelfe Lodge, want that sign moving too?"