Golden picture frames installed on street signs in Teddington by an anonymous "Phantom Framer" have been removed by Richmond Council, to the dismay of many.

Richmond and Twickenham Times:

Sign of the times? Richmond Council has the frames to be returned

Parking permit signs and street signs in Field Lane, Broad Street and Adelaide Road were spotted on Thursday, April 9, with the new frames, as well as a neatly framed sign urging people to clean up their dogs’ mess in Cambridge Road.

A twitter account - @PhantomFramer - was set up last week and the person behind it told the Richmond and Twickenham Times that the idea behind installing the frames was to beautify the town and make people happy.

The Phantom Framer said: "Teddington is a beautiful town and I wanted to prove that even the most mundane things can be beautiful."

Emma Durnford, a photographer who lives in Cambridge Crescent, said: "It is pretty sad they have taken them down as they didn’t obstruct any information on the signs. Many people will be sorry to see them go.

"I just think maybe the council’s time could be better spent helping the borough instead of taking down signs that enhance what is already there.

"No one made any negative comments about the frames and it was done with the best intentions."

The editor of teddingtontown.co.uk said: "The frames were very well-received, lots of passersby were spotted snapping them proudly and some took to a little treasure hunt to find them all. They were the talk of the town over Easter weekend when they appeared and some away on holiday sounded disappointed that they appeared and disappeared whilst they were away."

A Richmond Council spokesman said as beautiful the frames looked they had to be removed as they were not in keeping with corporate policy for street signs and logos.

He said: "Whoever is responsible has spent a considerable amount of time and money on these frames. They have been fitted perfectly at 13 locations across the borough.

"We have them at our sign shop ready for collection should the owner want them back."

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