CONTROVERSIAL signs put up to keep car cruisers out of a Valleys town centre were covered up after traders claimed they were damaging business.

In March we reported the signs, which are in place above fold-away gates in High Street, Blackwood, said cars could not access the road between 7pm and 4am - a measure traders claimed was deterring people from visiting pubs and takeaways on other evenings because the signs did not specify the ban only applied to Thursdays.

Caerphilly council has now covered up the information on the English language version of the signs to avoid confusion - though the Welsh language version remains uncovered - and says feedback from residents and businesses has been largely positive.

A spokesman for the authority said: "A small number of traders have pointed out that the information signs on the approach to the High Street closure points could be construed as confusing, as the signs didn't specify which day of the week the closure is to be enforced.

"We have therefore taken the decision to erase the general information contained on the signs, therefore eliminating the possible confusion for motorists - pedestrians, of course, have never been affected by the road closure order.

"We will continue to work with all our partners in the town centre to ensure that the road closure order remains successful, using high visibility patrols, CCTV and enforcement where necessary."

Landlord at The Rock pub, Paul Taylor, said: "At least taping over the signs has avoided any further confusion.

"With the signs up, law-abiding people could mistakenly think it to mean you can’t go through Blackwood after seven and before four in the morning everyday."

An 18-month order closing the street to through-traffic on Thursday evenings came into force last September after residents complained the town had become a weekly hotspot for up to 300 car cruisers.

The signs and gates, which are unfolded across one lane at either end of High Street on Thursday nights, were installed by Caerphilly council in February following a six-month review.

Trespassers face a £60 fine and three penalty points.

Pedestrians, taxis, buses, emergency services and permitted residents and business owners can still access the road.

* The council are now planning to cover the Welsh part of the sign as well.