Vandals have torn down a community’s road safety signs, an act residents say could put lives at risk.

Earlier this week, around five signs installed along Dene Lane in Farnham were ripped down and later found damaged in a nearby recreation ground.

Residents fear the removal could lead to a resurgence of dangerous speeding and parking, posing a threat to children and animals in the area.

The Dene Lane bridleway is frequently used as a parking site by people accessing nearby schools and Bourne Green park.

To address this issue, the Dene Lane Upper and Cricket Lane Road Association installed warning signs. Ashley Jones, the association’s treasurer, expressed his frustration about the vandalism.

“There have been real concerns about the speed of drivers using the lane, especially considering the number of young children and animals that use the green," he said.

"As a result, and in consultation with Waverley Borough Council, we put up some traffic calming and warning signs, at a personal cost to ourselves.”

The signs led to significant reduction in speeding on the lane, said Mr Jones.

Addressing the perpetrator directly, he added: “You took it upon yourself to vandalise the signs and steal them, leaving the lane open to dangerous speeding once more. I only hope we do not have an incident that might play on your conscience—if you have one.”

Amy Macmillan, owner of the nearby Coffee Can on the Green café, noted that the signs had served a useful purpose.

"Ultimately, I think it is just kids messing about really, it just seems like a pointless prank," she said.

Cllr George Murray, ward member for Farnham Town Council, said: “It was a good idea to put the signs up as they warned people about parking irresponsibly in the area for the benefit of everyone’s safety.”

Despite the setback, Mr Jones confirmed plans to produce new signs to replace those that were destroyed.