The Chelmer Blackwater Reserve Community Interest Company (CIC) is appealing for information after a spate of sign thefts at the Ironworks Meadow reserve in Maldon.

Describing the theft of seven signs as "criminal damage", the group has reported the matter to Essex Police.

The latest incident, which occurred around September 5, is the fourth time signs have been removed this year.

A spokesperson for The Chelmer Blackwater Reserve CIC told Nub News: "This is not a mere incident of casual vandalism.

"The person responsible came equipped intentionally to remove the signs."

They say the "persistent acts of theft and criminal damage" have caused unnecessary expense for the group, founded by residents to establish a nature reserve for the community's enjoyment. All work is entirely dependent on donations and those involved are all unpaid volunteers.

Because "dogs on leads" signs have been a special target, but not exclusively, it is suspected the culprit may be a dog owner who believes they have a right to walk a dog across the land.

"The overwhelming majority of dog owners understand that it is not unreasonable to require dogs to be kept on leads when crossing a nature reserve," the spokesperson added.

"But the belief in an entitlement is completely mistaken: the Reserve is private land leased by the CIC. Dogs are not required to be on leads on the crossing path between river and canal close to Tesco, because this has been used regularly for many years.

"The rest of the site was barely used and often inaccessible. It is now accessible only because of the work carried out by the CIC."

Ironworks Meadow nature reserve opened last July, providing a peaceful oasis just metres from Tesco's car park.

Members of the public who have any information regarding the thefts are urged to report it to Essex Police, quoting incident the number 42/163976/23.

For more information about the Reserve, visit the Chelmer Blackwater CIC website.

Read more

• Man arrested and woman hospitalised following 'spiking' incident at Maldon Wetherspoons
• Maldon District: Prog-rock legend Rick Wakeman to unveil 'Radio Caroline' locomotive at Mangapps Railway Museum
• Maldon District: Ultra rare Winnie the Pooh drawing discovered at Beeleigh Abbey could sell for up to £30,000 at auction