Offensive graffiti that has been on a signpost for at least 12 years is on course to be removed today - but a councillor was "furious" to initially be told it wouldn't.

The National Front symbols were spotted on a signpost in South Oxhey last week by local councillor Steve Cox and reported to Hertfordshire County Council to be removed.

But Cllr Cox received a response telling him the site had been visited and it had been concluded the report "did not meet the criteria" to be actioned at this time.

The county council has since admitted this was a mistake.

Asian Image: South Oxhey councillor Steve Cox by the graffiti in Prestwick Road which appeared between April 2018 and April 2019South Oxhey councillor Steve Cox by the graffiti in Prestwick Road which appeared between April 2018 and April 2019

The graffiti in Prestwick Road was reported by Labour member Cllr Cox on November 4. However a look back through Google Maps shows what appears to be a National Front symbol, daubed in black, has been there since at least April 2019, while the same symbol - but in red - on the other side of the post has been there since at least 2008.

Previous story: 'Offensive' graffiti on road sign targeted since 2008 could finally be removed

Asian Image: Another symbol in red at the same location that has been there since at least 2008 but since covered in paint. Credit: Google MapsAnother symbol in red at the same location that has been there since at least 2008 but since covered in paint. Credit: Google Maps

After being given the impression the graffiti wouldn't be removed straight away, Cllr Cox said: "I am furious and I was shocked by the response. It suggested they are not taking racist graffiti seriously. I would certainly expect this to be cleaned off within 24 hours of being reported.

"It’s been there for far too long and the lackadaisical approach now is absolutely outrageous and abhorrent. And it’s clear by how long it’s been there the council doesn’t inspect its signs."

Asian Image: The location of the graffiti in Prestwick Road. Credit: Google MapsThe location of the graffiti in Prestwick Road. Credit: Google Maps

After the Observer took Cllr Cox's comments to the council, a spokesperson responded: "We take racist and offensive graffiti extremely seriously, and we are committed to removing it within 24 hours of a report.

"In this case, the team that inspected the site didn’t immediately recognise this as a racist symbol, so it wasn’t given the normal high priority. We will be ensuring that a crew will visit the site tomorrow (November 10) to remove this graffiti."