FRESH road markings warning drivers in Stourport to "keep clear" of a school have caused some confusion in the town - because the school closed down 14 years ago.

The "SCHOOL - KEEP - CLEAR" yellow road markings were painted along the newly-resurfaced Abberley Avenue last week, but with the old Areley Common First School having closed in 2007, residents are asking how such a blunder could have happened.

Sharing the photograph on Facebook page We Love Stourport-on-Severn Past and Present Day, Paul Danby said: "Abberley Avenue beautifully resurfaced and then this. I think the Highways department needs to communicate with the education department."

He told The Shuttle: "I arrived for work and they weren't there. Popped out at lunch time and we were a school again!"

Comments ranged from confusion and anger to amusement, with one resident writing: "Unbelievable! And that's our money they're wasting."

Another person said: "Surely that should read, SCHOOL - NOT - HERE?"

The old school buildings are now occupied by Athenawear, a corporate clothing firm, and TriEnergy triathlon coaching.

Worcestershire County Council said officers had "made a mistake" and assured the markings would be covered over.

A council spokesperson said: “A section of Abberley Avenue was recently repaired ahead of a larger surface dressing operation, due to take place this spring.

“Officers involved made a mistake and reinstated the road markings, ‘School Keep Clear’.

“When the surface dressing works are completed, the markings will be covered over and will not be replaced.”