Sign removal 'to cost thousands'

A theme park first opened on the site in 1985

Council tax payers could be left with the bill to remove redundant road signs for a closed theme park in Derbyshire.

The American Adventure at Ilkeston shut down 10 months ago but 40 signs for the attraction are still in place.

Derbyshire County Council estimates it would cost at least £25,000 to remove and replace all the signs.

It is trying to recover the costs from the former owner Venture World, but so far has been unsuccessful.

Lifting equipment

Council spokesman Pete Lee said it is expensive to remove the signs as it involves closing a stretch of road and erecting a new sign in place of the old one.

"We don't think it is reasonable for the ratepayers of Derbyshire to pay for the removal of the signs paid for originally by American Adventure," he said.

The 4m by 4m "direction" signs have several destinations, including American Adventure, on them.

Some of the signs, which can weigh hundreds of pounds and need lifting equipment to move them, are located on roads in neighbouring counties including Staffordshire and Nottinghamshire.

He said closing a dual carriageway slow lane in off peak hours can cost up to £5,000 a day.