THEFTS which have been described as "bizarre and dangerous" are putting south Durham road users at risk.

More than a dozen signs were stolen overnight between Tuesday and Wednesday on the C42 between Evenwood and Esperley, in Teesdale.

The signs had only recently been installed and were designed to improve road safety on the country lane.

Head of technical services at Durham County Council, Steve Keetley, said the thefts were bizarre and dangerous.

He said: "These signs were only recently installed as part of a big road safety improvement programme, on a road with several sharp bends.

"They were mostly hazard warning signs and chevrons notices, but include direction signs for the local household waste recycling centre.

"Not only has this crime put lives at risk it's going to cost the council 2,500 to replace the signs, at a time when we are already under significant financial pressure.

"These signs have very limited scrap value but I would appeal to anyone who has any information, or is offered any road signs as scrap, to contact either our Highways Action Line on 0191-370-6000 or the police, who are aware of the incident, on 0845-6060-365."

The council is installing temporary warning signs until the permanent notices can be replaced.