Roundabout repaint is 'a bit of fun' say residents

Derbyshire County Council is worried the paintwork could distract drivers

Residents have given their support to a traffic island made to look like a St George's Cross to mark the UEFA European Football Championships.

The red cross was painted on the traffic island by a mystery person after England's 1-0 victory over Serbia on 16 June.

Highways officials say they fear the "patriotic" paint job in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, could distract motorists.

They've asked people not to carry out similar paintworks, but more have begun to appear.

The St George's Cross on Park Road is said to have appeared overnight

However, people walking past the site on Park Road say it is "a bit of fun".

Ian Buckley, 57, from Ilkeston, told the BBC: "I thought it was funny, but I still know it shouldn't have been done."

When asked about the council's view it could distract drivers, he added: "I dare say they could be right.

"If someone's looking at it, they are not looking at what they should be doing."

Ian Buckley said he laughed when he first saw the painted traffic island

Angela Boddice, 66, said: "I think it's a bit of fun. I must've walked past it half a dozen times without noticing it.

"I don't drive, but I don't think think it will make much difference."

Hilary Kirby, 66, from Ilkeston, said: "I didn't notice it straight away - my daughter did."

Asked if it may distract drivers she added: "I don't think it would."

Alison Ratcliffe said motorists who are distracted by the cross shouldn't be driving

Alison Ratcliffe, 43, from Ilkeston, said: "I like the new addition. If you're distracted by something like that, you shouldn't be driving. I love it. I think it's great."

A spokesperson for Derbyshire County Council said: “We’re all wishing the best to the England men’s team in the Euros, but hope people will understand displays such as this can cause a distraction to motorists, so would ask residents not to do it.

“We are expecting it to naturally wear off and have no plans to go out and paint over it, as there would obviously be a cost involved and roads around it would have to be closed.”

Meanwhile, other red crosses have appeared on mini-roundabouts in Derby, including on Wood Road at Chaddesden.

This mini-roundabout on Wood Road, Chaddesden is the latest to get a red cross