CONCERNS have been raised over flood warning signs which were displayed on approach roads into Hereford last weekend, warning of long delays and diverting traffic.

Cynthia Spaull, Hereford's city centre manager, says she was alarmed to see them as Christmas shoppers could have been deterred from heading for the city.

She said the signs could have discouraged people from visiting Hereford city centre.

John Burnett, Herefordshire Council press officer, said 10 signs had been in place for a number of years. They were designed to be opened to display warnings when there was a risk of flooding.

The signs were opened-up as the Environment Agency had predicted more rainfall than actually fell, he said.