A SIGN on a public footpath in Purton has caused a stir with its firm tone and threat that any dogs seen running free could be shot.

The sign was brought to the attention of the Gazette when a visitor to the village from Cumbria noticed it while taking a walk with his family.

David Dyson described the notice as “hostile and threatening” and suggested its effect may prove counter-productive.

Mr Dyson was visiting Purton with his family and walking along the coastal footpath next to The Pub – a closed establishment which will reopen in March, 2015 – when he spotted the sign.

It reads: “You are on private property. You have a ‘right’ to walk on the marked footpath only.

“You will be abusing this ‘right’ if you stay, loiter, picnic, or anything other than walk, and will be moved.

“Any dog seen off a lead is liable to be shot. Bulls, cows, and calves are grazing on this farm.”

Mr Dyson and his family were shocked by the sign, which they found needlessly offensive in an otherwise peaceful village.

He said: “We were mightily outraged, and judging by the graffiti were not the only ones. It spoilt an otherwise very enjoyable day.

“I am quite sure the notice does not reflect the views of the local community, who we found most welcoming.

“Nevertheless visitors to the area will be intimidated and come away with totally the wrong impression. I also believe that notices of this kind are counter-productive: well-meaning visitors will be offended, as we were, and antisocial people will either take no notice or be even more likely to cause problems.”

The graffiti referred to by Mr Dyson is a short expletive directed at the “farmer” on another nearby sign.

Paul Barnett, chairman of Friends of Purton, said that the message on the sign was not a reflection of the rest of the village’s attitudes.

He said: “The sign isn’t typical of Purton and you can generally expect a very warm response from the villagers.

“It’s important that we’re mindful to our neighbours and people can expect that when coming to the area.”

A spokesman for Gloucestershire County Council said that the language of the sign is no cause for removal, adding that they would generally only remove such notices if they caused an obstruction.

The private land next to the footpath is owned by Berkeley Estate. It is believed to be their tenant on the land who put it up.

The tenant was unable to be reached and Berkeley Estate declined to comment.