VANDALS have struck yet again at a popular beauty spot by stealing or damaging footpath signs installed only months ago to replace other missing way-markings.

Over the last three years, 100 signs have been removed from woodland overlooking Lakeside, at the southern end of Windermere, and from along the Newby Bridge to Lakeside road.

Police are investigating the persistent problem, which Lake District National Park Authority staff fear is a sustained campaign against public access and conservation.

Both police and the LDNPA are appealing for information about the incidents, and signs have been put up in the area to highlight the problem, and asking for help to trace and prosecute those responsible.

"These are crimes against the countryside, the local community and visitors who love and respect the Lake District," said Tony Hill, LDNPA area ranger.

"We cannot afford to keep replacing these signs, which were put in to help walkers stay on rights of way and also to ensure their safety."

Last November voluntary wardens installed 30 new footpath signs to direct walkers away from a dangerous stretch of road, and to show the rights of way through the wood.

This year more new signs were put up to show a permitted path from High Dam to YMCA Lakeside, and routes through the woods.

But just months later, most of these signs have been stolen, or knocked down and thrown into undergrowth.

Mr Hill said the constant thefts undermined attempts to improve access for walkers in popular tourist areas, adding that many businesses in Lakeside relied on visitors coming to the area to safely explore the local area.

It costs the authority around £1,000 to install 100 signs, but Mr Hill added: "Although that's not insignificant in our budget, the real cost to us is labour, and the volunteer time that goes into it."

Volunteer wardens are also diverted from doing other important work by having to repeatedly replace the signs.

PC Janice Keen, based at Ulverston police station, said it was something they were taking seriously, and that she had spoken to the landowner, and local residents to make them aware of the problem.

She said there would be further observations in the area, and she appealed for anyone who had seen anything suspicious to call 01768-891999 and ask to speak to PC 1126 Keen.