SIGNS imposing a controversial speed limit in Rossendale have been vandalised.

A number of signs in Broadway, Helmshore, have been sprayed with silver paint, causing confusion for motorists.

The signs were put up in October and November last year, close to Haslingden High School, after the limit was rolled out throughout all residential and school areas across Lancashire.

After continued calls from residents and councillors to scrap the restriction, a review of the limit on the stretch was carried out by Lancashire County Council.

But councillors decided that the number of nearby schools and the large numbers of pedestrians and cyclists meant there was a good case for the 20mph speed limit.

Tim Ashton, cabinet member for highways and transport, said that despite opposition to the the speed limit, it was here to stay.

He said: “I understand that a couple of the signs have now been vandalised with spray paint.

“The police consider this to be criminal damage and will take action against the culprits accordingly.

"We will clean up the signs and will continue to work with the police and the community to fully establish the 'Twenty's Plenty' message.

"I have visited this road and met Councillors Darryl Smith and Peter Evans, and after a long discussion we have reviewed the 20mph limit in the Broadway area, as promised.

“The decision is that the speed limit will remain and that we will review it again in a year's time.”

A spokesperson for Lancashire Police said: “We are treating this as criminal activity and anybody with any information should report it to police on 101.”