CONTRACTORS preparing for the BBC Countryfile Live event have been told to urgently fix "buffoonish" changes they made to speed limit signs.

Transport bosses confirmed the signs, put up in both directions on the A44 Oxford Road between Bladon and Woodstock, were currently believed to be unlawful.

They were put in place to let motorists know about temporary reductions in speed limits during the Countryfile event, which will take place at Blenheim Palace from Thursday to Sunday.

But the changes were described as "unsightly, confusing and sudden" by Woodstock town councillor Sharone Parnes, who added they made a "buffoonish new appearance of the main approach to and from the town".

One sign appeared to have been covered by a bin bag and another had stickers placed over the existing numbers on it. 

A 'no left-turn sign' was also twisted to face hedges away from the road.

Mr Parnes told the Oxford Mail: "At the moment it is unlawful and it needs to be sorted out."

A county council spokesman said this afternoon: "This is signing for a temporary speed limit restriction in advance of and during the BBC Countryfile Live event at Blenheim Palace.

"The signing was erected by the traffic management contractor working on behalf of the event organiser, not the council.

"We have pointed out that the signs are not correct and requested that the company change them as a matter of urgency."