BAD weather has been blamed for “sorry” signs on Sidmouth seafront being left to rot – a year after cash was pledged to replace them.

Sidmouth Herald: Pic by Michael Gordon-LeePic by Michael Gordon-Lee (Image: Archant)

Residents have lamented the fact that the nearby cliffs are not the only thing that can be seen crumbling from The Esplanade and bemoaned the state of the rusty finger posts.

The ailing street furniture – branded “a danger” 12 months ago – won’t be succeeded until Easter due to the unrelenting elements.

Michael Gordon-Lee, of King Charles Way, often observes the state of the signposts when he walks along the seafront, and branded them as being “in a very sorry state of repair and usefulness”.

East Devon District Council (EDDC) cabinet members ruled in February last year that a total of £16,000 would be included in its 2012/13 budget for Jacob’s Laddder, nearby railings and the finger posts.

A council spokesman said yesterday: “Work on painting the railings on The Esplanade was completed last year. Since then, bad weather has delayed completion of the remaining painting work. In the case of railings near Jacob’s Ladder, these are currently buried under shingle thrown up by the tide.

“Signage on the seafront is scheduled for replacement but clearly it is best to wait until the weather improves. It’s likely that further progress will be made with these works around Easter, weather permitting.”

He added that the work will not be done over the Easter weekend.