AN AWARD winning inn situated in Monmouth has had their signs stolen which they say will have financial implications as they begin their busiest time of the year.

The Inn at Penallt in Penallt village had two four foot tourist information signs stolen which were placed along the B4233, Monmouth to Trellech Road a week before the Easter bank holiday. Owners Andrew and Jackie Murphy had the signs put up a year ago to help visitors find the award winning inn Inn which is off the beaten track.

Mr Murphy 53, said: “We often get visitors and guests requesting to take home our home baked bread or own preserves and chutneys as a memento but we’ve never had any one ask for a sign.

“We are trying to make light of it but there's a serious consequence as we are entering into our busiest time of the year. Local people have difficulty finding the village let alone tourists, it's a nightmare and it will have financial implications for us."

It took the Murphy's 18 months to obtain the signs and they will have to re-apply to Monmouthshire County Council to have new ones put in place.

He added: "They were brown metal tourism signs bolted on to a metal pole, the pole is still there, it must have taken something to get them off. We have no passing trade whatsoever and have seen an increase in casual traders since we put up the signs - they were invaluable in letting people know we are here."

Four years ago The Inn at Penallt, which was then The Bush, was on the verge of closure but since buying and fully refurbishing the property the owners along with head Chef Peter Hulsmann have seen the Inn steadily gain recognition in Monmouth. It was named AA pub of the year for Wales 2013 and was listed in both The 2014 Michelin Guide to Eating Out and Hardens restaurant Guide.

Any one with information about the theft are asked to contact Gwent police on 101.