A SPATE of thefts of drainage gully covers has taken place in the Taunton and Wellington area over recent weeks.

David Peake, Somerset County Council Highway Service Manager for the Taunton Deane area, said: "Drain covers are costly to replace and their absence creates a safety hazard to road users.

"Somerset County Council wishes to reassure road users that the covers are being replaced as soon as we are notified of their theft and that road users' safety is paramount."

If anyone witnesses a suspicious person or persons removing any drain covers, they should contact the police.