RECENTLY installed "no parking" signs which were sited in Haworth's Church Street only two weeks ago have been stolen.

The signs, paid for by Bradford Council, were part of a wider no parking zone – also including much of Main Street – introduced to deal with dangerous and obstructive parking in some of the most historic areas of the village.

Ward and parish councillors have condemned whoever is responsible for taking the Church Street signs, dubbing them "silly", "petty" and "selfish".

Worth Valley councillor Glen Miller said two signs, which are designed to be attached to walls, had been removed.

"I think whoever has done this has been very stupid," he said. "This is a restricted zone, and parking there has been creating a hazard for emergency vehicles trying to get access to the street, and also obstructing funerals at the church.

"The council has re-ordered new signs, so they will be replaced."

He said the signs had disappeared overnight early last week.

Fellow ward councillor Rebecca Poulsen said: "It's very disappointing. A lot of work has gone into creating the no parking zone, which was overwhelmingly supported by businesses, residents, the church and the parsonage.

"There was a lengthy consultation, public meetings and coverage in the press so people did have their chance to object then.

"There is a due process to go through, that process was followed and this is not the way to object. I'm not impressed.

"The signs should be replaced imminently. Church Street is still part of the no parking zone and will be treated as such."

Cllr Angel Kershaw, chairman of Haworth, Cross Roads and Stanbury Parish Council, stressed that it is more important for emergency vehicles to be able to access a road than it is for residents on that road to be able to park outside their houses.

She said anyone trying to undermine the no parking rules by stealing the signs was putting lives at risk by potentially hampering ambulances and fire engines.

"This zone wasn't imposed for fun, it's there for a reason," she said.

"To steal these signs is silly and petty and it could endanger other people.

"I'd ask whoever has stolen them to return them and show some consideration for their neighbours."

The no parking signs in Main Street were put in place in May of this year. The restriction applies to the narrowest part of Main Street, with permitted parking for residents near the lower end of the road.

Installation of the signs for Church Street was delayed until earlier this month after some residents said they had not been consulted about the measure.

Responding to the theft, a Bradford Council spokesman said: "We are going to replace the no parking signs and will continue to monitor the situation."