Engineers are asking for the public’s help after 12 cast iron grate tops were stolen from roads in the south west area of the town, leaving dangerous holes in the road and costing taxpayers in the region of £2,000.

County Councillor Matthew Tomlinson, cabinet member for environment and transportation, said: “I am amazed that anyone has the brass neck to go out and brazenly steal public property in this way. The problem is that members of the public see a van turn up and a couple of men in fluorescent jackets putting cones out, so they presume it’s all above board.

“Alarm bells only ring when people notice gaping holes in the road. And while we are out to replacing the grate tops at great expense, the culprits will be trying to find a scrap yard to buy the iron.

“As well as the cost to the taxpayer this sort of crime leaves behind a major safety hazard for pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and drivers.”

All twelve tops were quickly replaced, this time with lightweight ‘ductile iron’ fittings which are harder to remove and are worth less to anyone trying to weigh them in.

Councillor Tomlinson continued: “If anyone has any information we would urge them to contact us or the police – particularly if a scrap yard has been approached by someone trying to weigh in the items.”

Anyone with information on the thefts should call the county council on 0845 0530011