A VILLAGER has raised concerns about new 'no entry' road signs near the parish church which she says spoils the village picture.

Jan Pierce, who lives in Tarrington, said she does not approve of new signs in Church Lane near to the gates of St Peter and St James Church.

The no entry signs say: 'Pedestrian & Disabled Access Only Beyond This Point.'

Mrs Pierce said: "I think it spoils the whole picture of the village. It is not a welcoming sign to put outside the church gates."

Mrs Pierce said people go to the graveyard to tend to their graves and take lawnmowers, and various gardening equipment.

She added: "They have to haul it from one end of the lane to the other."

The signs were put up following parking concerns. The lane is narrow and residents live at what was formerly the rectory for the church.

Mandy Williams, Rector of the Hop Churches, said cars parking directly outside the church gates would frequently block access, both to the churchyard itself and to The Rectory’s parking area.

Church lane from the top left turn is an unadopted road, serving the properties along it and is in private ownership.

Revd Williams added: "It is such a disappointment that some residents in Tarrington feel unable to support our efforts to find ways of living together. The church, landowner and residents worked really hard to come up with a solution that was as much a win win for everyone.

"There has been some criticism that our signage is not very welcoming. Unfortunately, it is simply a matter of economics. We felt people would universally understand the signage and this, combined with a new welcoming notice board soon to be installed in the churchyard at this entrance, would reassure people that whilst we need to think about access at this point in Church Lane, those who do need to park there are most welcome."

Arrangements have been made to install grass matting on the wide verge in the lane, securing parking for a number of vehicles.

Herefordshire Council confirmed that Church Lane in Tarrington is not on the current ‘List of Streets’ and is therefore not the responsibility of Herefordshire Council.