Doncaster Council blasted as non-waterproof signs washed away hours after being painted

The notices – urging people to stay away two metres away from each other – were painted on paths around the Marina area at Lakeside – despite the footpath being less than 2m wide.

But just days after being painted, the yellow signs have already been washed away by rain after apparently being painted in non-waterproof watercolour paint.

One walker, who spotted the blunder said: “Absolute incompetence and a waste of taxpayers’ money.”

It is not the first time since the start of the coronavirus pandemic that Lakeside has been hit by controversy.

Back in June, the path around the Lakeside Marina was closed off after a video emerged showing walkers, joggers and cyclists of all ages ignoring the 2m social distancing rule.

The footage, shot by a local resident, showed people brushing past each other on the narrow path, people stopping to look at fish in the lake and urged Doncaster Council to make the route one way.

But the authority took the decision to totally shut the path

At the time, a Doncaster Council spokesman said: “We are implementing a plan for Lakeside which will make it safer for visitors with lots of signage in place asking people to social distance and ambassadors on hand during the day to help and advise.

“The safety of people continues to be our main priority during the COVID-19 emergency.”

We have contacted Doncaster Council for comment.