THE absence of a street sign is putting lives at stake according to residents who live in the area.

Denise Ellis and Linda Ramsden have installed a homemade sign at the entrance of Wandales Close, in Norton, after the original one was broken four months ago.

The neighbours are particularly concerned after an ambulance had to be flagged down after it was called to a house in the street where a elderly gentleman had just died.

“The ambulance went round three times before someone from the house ran out and waved it down,” said Mrs Ramsden. “Sadly, we understand the man had already died, but the street sign should have there to make it easier for the ambulance to find.”

Mrs Ellis, who has lived in Wandales Close, off Furlongs Avenue, for nine years, said she phoned Ryedale District Council after the sign became damaged.

“At first the sign fell off due to the rotting wood and was propped up on the ground, then one day it disappeared altogether,” she said.

“I reported it four months ago, but nothing has been done, which is disgusting.”

Mrs Ellis said they had also faced problems with deliveries and another neighbour had missed a medical appointment in Leeds because the Patient Transport Service could not find her.

“Lives are being put at stake here,” she said. “Someone is to blame, but no one is prepared to take responsibility and therefore nothing is getting done about it.”

Mrs Ellis said: “As a result, I have made my own sign to put up until we get a permanent replacement.”

A spokesman for the Yorkshire Ambulance Service said its vehicles had sat nav equipment to locate properties, however a new initiative was being launched shortly to highlight the importance of clearly displayed house numbers.

A council spokeswoman said: “We have been informed by a local resident that the street sign on Wandales Close, in Norton, is missing. We understand the sign has been vandalised and are currently working with Yorkshire Housing to identify a suitable location for the replacement to avoid further vandalism.

“The council is responsible for the replacement of street name signs, but has a limited budget and therefore has to ensure that all signs are replaced in the most cost efficient way possible.

“Wandales Close is an established development and appears to be on all maps/satellite navigation locations and none of the emergency services have informed Ryedale District Council that the sign has caused them any difficulties locating the area.

“We are hoping to have the replacement sign in place by the end of November and apologise if this causes inconvenience to residents.”