Landowner's 'Don't be a tosser!' signs upset locals

A woman has upset villagers after putting up 'offensive' signs to discourage people from littering. Jo Riddell placed six bright yellow signs bearing the slogan 'Don't be a tosser - take your rubbish home' along the roadside on her land in the Cheeseburn Grange Hall Estate, near Stamfordham, Northumberland. The landowner became frustrated as she continually picked up a constant stream of litter, having collected 27 bags of rubbish since the start of the month alone, mostly thrown from passing cars. The Grade II-star listed Cheeseburn Grange has been home to the Riddell family for generations.

Mrs Riddell has lived on the estate for 24 years with husband Simon and their three children. But her signs have caused offence to some villagers who say the sign is 'inappropriate' and two of her signs have been ripped down in recent weeks. Edward Trevelyan, chairman of Stamfordham Parish Council, who has lived in the village for 30 years, said: "They are ghastly notices, an eyesore and they're rude. It's garish and defacing the countryside. I've had about six or seven complaints from residents. I hope they will be removed." Mrs Riddell, 49, said: "I can't walk three paces around the estate without coming across litter. It's shocking and shameful. It's been getting worse in recent years.



"I have been going out every afternoon and have collected 27 bags of rubbish since the start of the month. I was inspired by a trip to Australia, I was walking along Bondi beach and the signs were along it. They said: 'Don't be a bloody tosser - take your rubbish home.' I had no idea it also meant something else over here. I just thought it meant a 'twit'. When my friend saw it she said, 'Gosh you're brave,' and told me about the slang. I was a bit shocked and I had to look it up on Google. It was a bit of an 'oops' moment. I was brought up with the Queen's English. But before I put the signs up I consulted legal experts, and I made sure they were only on my land.

"I also sought advice from the Campaign to Protect Rural England and there was no problem. I'm sorry if the signs cause offence and I know there have been some complaints. I'm a law abiding citizen and if I have broken the law, I will take them down. Perhaps I can re-word them. I didn't want to put signs up that simply said: "Don't litter," because no one would take any notice. But I have picked up condoms, needles and pornographic videos along with all the bottles, cans, plastic and paper. Surely these piles of rubbish are more offensive to people than my sign?"