New warning signs put up on common after eight animals killed

Extra signs are being put up to warn motorists after livestock were killed on a working common.

Additional signage will be displayed on the B4208 passing through Castlemorton Common on top of existing highways signs.

It comes in response to an increasing number of livestock casualties.

Over the last two years, at least six sheep and two steers have been killed by vehicles.

New signage warns drivers that sheep and steers can legally roam on Castlemorton Common (Image: The Castlemorton Common Association)

Castlemorton Common Association (CCA) said this has been distressing to both the animals and their owners.

The working common between Welland and Rye Cross has livestock, including cattle and sheep, grazing throughout its area.

These animals have the legal right to roam freely.

The CCA said: “A very small percentage of England’s commons are farmed and even fewer using ancient grazing rights dating back centuries.

“Grazing is one of the better forms of management for these open spaces, and we are very fortunate that active commoning is still being practised in the Castlemorton/Birtsmorton area.”

The CCA thanked drivers who already exercise caution when driving through the Common as ‘these animals are unpredictable and can step into the road at any time or even run across from a distance’.

It said it hoped the new signs will encourage all drivers to pay extra attention.