Villagers are celebrating as missing weight restriction signs on a busy A-road have been replaced after four years of absence.

Two signs on the A27 near Glynde were removed years ago when National Highways carried out roadworks near the village.

They warn drivers coming into the village from the A27 via Lacys Hill and Mill Lane of the 7.5 tonne weight restriction.

Campaigners say the signs are vital in deterring HGVs, lorries and other large vehicles from attempting to drive through Glynde.

The small village near Lewes has a bridge over the Glynde Reach, a tributary of the river Ouse, which cannot take the weight of large vehicles.

It also has very narrow roads and residents have regularly reported coaches and lorries becoming stuck since the signs were removed.

The Argus: One of the reinstated signsLewes District Councillor Emily O’Brien said there had been a four-year battle to reinstate the signs which were “finally” brought back by National Highways this month.

The Green councillor, who represents Ouse Valley and Ringmer ward, said: “I’m delighted these signs are finally back where they should be, loud and proud, but it's ridiculous it took four years of tireless campaigning by ourselves, the parish council and residents.

“Only the threat of making our own signs seems to have finally done the trick.

Councillor Johnny Denis, for the same party and ward, added: “Because of these missing signs, there has been continuous damage to road surfaces and the bridge in Glynde.

“Every time the bridge has to be repaired, it costs thousands of pounds and the village also has to endure road closures. The only question is, why has it taken so long?”

The councillors have asked Glynde residents to keep an eye on the roads and let them know whether the signs are working.

Cllr O'Brien and Cllr Denis added that they will continue to campaign for a change in the law requiring HGVs to use commercial sat navs that do not direct them to roads their vehicles cannot use.

A National Highways spokesman said: “We apologise for the delay in restoring the HGV weight signage on the A27 and any inconvenience this may have caused.

"The signs are now back in place which should stop any unsuitable vehicles using the route.”