A set of timber gates worth hundreds of pounds were stolen by thieves in Sutton.

The gates, which were only installed in April, were put up by Cambridgeshire County Council to signal the changing of the speed limit coming in to the village, from 60 down to 40mph.

But, overnight from Tuesday into Wednesday, thieves wrenched the timber free of its fixings from both gates and made their escape – leaving the public purse hundreds of pounds out of pocket.

Rosie Seymour, clerk to Sutton Parish Council, said: “We were made aware first thing on Wednesday morning. Although they were largely decorative, they were also put in to make people aware of the changing speed limit and to get them to slow down as they enter the village.”

Mrs Seymour said she immediately the county council, which confirmed that it had not authorised anybody to remove the gates, located in Chain Causeway.

The matter has since been reported to Cambridgeshire police.

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.