Residents of Fairford in the Cotswolds were left amused—and frustrated—after the word ‘KEEP’ was freshly painted in bold yellow letters on the road outside the long-closed Coln House School on Horcott Road. The partial repainting of the outdated ‘keep clear’ road markings has raised questions about unnecessary expenditure.
The repainting work, believed to have been carried out by a utility company following recent roadworks, included only the word ‘KEEP,’ an incomplete and confusing remnant of the original ‘SCHOOL KEEP CLEAR’ marking. Locals find it strange that despite the school’s closure years ago and the site’s conversion into housing, these markings are still being maintained.
Sandra Kolasinski, a local resident, expressed both amusement and concern. “It made me laugh—seeing the word KEEP in bright yellow with no context. But honestly, it feels like a waste of money,” she said. Sandra also questioned whether those responsible for repainting were able to challenge the instructions they received. “Why repaint faded markings that no longer serve a purpose? Are the workers not allowed to question what they are told to do?”
Stephen Andrews, a former district councillor familiar with the area, also found the repainting illogical but suggested it may be due to bureaucratic technicalities. “While it doesn’t make sense to refresh these road signs, the utility company might have been obligated to repaint as part of the traffic regulation order in place,” he explained. “The issue is likely that the order, which once reflected the school’s presence, was never cancelled after the school closed.”
Gloucestershire County Council was contacted for comment on the matter but has yet to respond.