A SIGN banning lorries from a busy town centre car park was ripped out of the ground and destroyed...by a lorry.

The crash has led to fresh calls for action to be taken on HGVs using the narrow streets of Upton-upon-Severn.

The destruction of the sign was spotted by New Street resident Chris Mair.

He described how a truck on the way to Welland Steam Rally last Friday had got stuck near his home. The driver then reversed back the way he came and attempted to turn round in the entrance of the Hanley Road car park.

Not only did this manoeuvre lead to the smashing of the sign, but also a section of culvert brickwork.

Mr Mair said: “So now the district council picks up the bill for repairs, and all because the county council won’t seek to ban this as a lorry route, or improve signage to keep rogue HGVs off our town’s already busy primary roads.

“The county continues to avert its eyes to the use of Upper Hook Road and New Street and the persistent abuse by HGV lorry traffic.

“Several times a week HGVs use the route to be confronted with New Street and its legally parked cars.

“They then inch forward – often assisted by locals – all parties eager that no damage is done to those parked along the road.”

Town mayor Pete Webb said efforts had been made to curb the problem. He said: “We have been asking for probably two or three years for some sort of sign at the Cross to warn large vehicles that this is an unsuitable road, but to no avail.”

Jon Fraser, Worcestershire County Council’s Highways Manager, said: “The county council puts in place relevant ‘Unsuitable for HGVs’ signage in areas and roads that are deemed unsuitable for these types of vehicle.

“Upton is an historic town with narrow roads that are signed appropriately for HGVs.

“In addition, we work with freight companies to make them aware of unsuitable sections of highway throughout the county.”