SIGNS billing Ilkley Carnival could have been removed by saboteurs in a bid to scupper the event, it was claimed yesterday.

More than 20 signs have been taken down around Wharfedale, in what appears to be a carefully-organised operation.

Three of the brand new signs - valued collectively at £500 - were so large they would have needed a pick-up truck to transport them.

The 6ft square signs were also securely bolted to timber frames.

Andrew Munro, carnival chairman, said: "We are talking about saboteurs and not just vandals as there is no trace of the signs.

"I find this sort of behaviour totally reprehensible. I cannot understand the mentality of whoever is responsible."

The three larger signs were stealthily removed from the A65, near Addingham, next to the Generous Pioneer pub, at Burley-in-Wharfedale and at the end of the Burley bypass, near Otley.

Around 20 smaller signs, worth £100, were also stolen from all over the Wharfe Valley, some time between 5.30pm on April 25 and 8.30am on the 27th.

Mr Munro said he had no idea who could be behind the cruel sign snatch.

He said: "We do not know if somebody has got a grudge against us. I don't think we have upset anybody. I have tried to ensure its an inclusive event. It's a day of fun.

"You would have thought people would have been happy that one event in this valley was going ahead.

"Otley has had to cancel its carnival and show. We really feel for them and everybody else."

A number of shows and events in Wharfedale have been cancelled because of the foot and mouth outbreak. Ilkley Carnival is virtually the only survivor.

However, the carnival chairman dismissed rumours that the signs could have been stolen by somebody concerned about foot and mouth disease.

The team have been assured that the carnival, which will go ahead on Monday, May 7, will not in any way aggravate the crisis.

Mr Munro said the loss of the costly signs - which have disappeared without trace - would leave the carnival committee seriously out of pocket.

Mr Munro said: "These signs are expensive and were specially made for the carnival so that they could be used year after year.

"Their loss is a severe blow to us. I do not understand why these people would want to harm the carnival's ability to raise funds for local charities, clubs and societies.

"The committee spends all year planning for the day and when something like this happens it is extremely upsetting and undermines the work we do."

Ilkley Parish and Bradford City Councillor Ann Hawkesworth said: "It is absolutely deplorable. One of the good things about the carnival is that it's a pulling together of all Ilkley.

"Its absolutely mind blowing that anybody would be so senseless as to do that.

"I can't imagine who or what their motives are."

Inspector Paul Clynch, head of Ilkley Police, said: "I am lost to think why anyone would want to sabotage the carnival. It is a large community event.

"I cannot think of any instance in my time here of anybody objecting to the carnival.

"It is more likely to be an opportunist thief who thought it was an easy way to make some money."

Anyone with any information should contact the police on (01943) 601060 or Andrew Munro on (01943) 816886 or Mandy Trussell, the carnival secretary on (01535) 680832.