Residents in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, were left baffled after a 'School: Keep Clear' sign was painted on their street, despite the school having moved away 15 years ago. Hassan Ali, a resident of Greendock Street, was on holiday in Budapest when his neighbour informed him about the bright yellow sign that had appeared in the early hours of Friday morning.
Residents Express Frustration
Ali expressed his frustration, stating that even if the school were still there, the sign was placed incorrectly. 'It's ridiculous,' he said. 'The school moved 15 years ago. Plus, even if there is a school, the access to the school should be over there, not in front of my house.'
The debacle has caused a stir in Longton, one of six towns in Stoke-on-Trent, attracting local media attention. The council's Labour leader, Jane Ashworth, apologised for the mistake, admitting there 'clearly isn't a school' there.
Council's Response
The sign has since been covered with black paint, making it barely legible while driving. The council's immediate response aimed to allay fears that residents could receive fines for parking outside their homes. However, the letters are still noticeable.
Ali believes the media attention forced the council to act quickly. 'Because of all the hoo-ha that happened … they acted immediately,' he said. 'Now we got the sign, but in black.' He criticised the council, saying, 'Typical council, the people sitting in the office, they don't have any ideas.'
Lee Evans, another resident, noticed the sign on Friday and discussed it with his neighbour. He suspects the council used outdated plans. 'Why've they put a school sign there when there's no school no more? They probably got the wrong piece of paper, haven't they? Gone off the old plans, I reckon,' he said.
Council Leader Apologises
Ashworth expressed embarrassment over the mistake and said the authority would review the issue. 'I'm annoyed for the residents that live there that have been messed about but embarrassed that we made such a mistake,' she told the BBC.
Ali wants clarification on who signed off the plan and accused the council of 'always blaming somebody else.' He also wants to know the cost of the debacle, speculating that residents will ultimately pay through council tax. 'Who's going to pay for it? Me. They're going to add it to the council tax,' he said.
Stoke-on-Trent council has been contacted for comment.
