THE mayor of Castle Point has criticised road signs designed by children outside a primary school.

Jackie Govier, Tory councillor for St George’s ward was unhappy with the signs outside Kingston Primary School, Thundersley.

The signs, which were designed by children, feature a snail and the message “20 is Plenty” in an effort to get drivers to cut their speed. But Mrs Govier claimed they look amateurish and are confusing for drivers.

She said: “The signs look like they were designed by children and while I commend them for doing this, they do look amateurish. It could be confusing to drivers what they mean. I think they also distract attention from other signs.”

She added there are too many unofficial signs being put up along roads across the borough and called for action to remove them.

Mrs Govier said: “I would like to see a reduction in the total number of signs on our roads, both official and unofficial.”

However, Joe Cook, spokesman for Castle Point Labour Party, disagreed and claimed they are more effective at attracting attention than conventional signs.

Mr Cook praised the original design of the signs outside the school.

He said: “They have obviously been designed by children and, yes, they do look amateurish, but I actually think that makes them all the more effective.

“All power to the children for doing something original. I wish other schools did the same. They are possibly more effective at catching the eye than official signs.”

No one from the school was available to comment because of the summer holidays.

Sally Hedaux, 52, who lives opposite the school, said: “The signs do look amateurish, but they are definitely needed because cars travel far too quickly down here, whether the school is open or not, including when the children are crossing.”