MYSTERY surrounds the appearance of fake blue plaques protesting against nuclear power which have appeared on buildings and bollards all over Rishton.

The circular blue signs, replicas of a genuine plaque which was erected in September 2002 to mark the birthplace of nuclear physicist Sir Ernest Marsden, have been spotted on the wall outside Rishton Library, in Cut Wood Park and on a bollard outside the Bentley garage.

The signs, which appear to be issued by the Institute of Awareness, say Sir Ernest’s work "could eventually lead to the destruction of most human life on planet Earth.’’

They add: "Say no to nuclear."

Eagle-eyed dog walker Eddie Wolstencroft, from Rishton, took these photographs.

He said: "They seem to be perfect copies of the Hermitage Street plaque that commemorates the birth of Sir Ernest Marsden.

"I saw a plaque at Cut Wood Park the other week while walking my dog and thought nothing of it. But I always take my camera and took a snap.

"A week later I noticed one on the library at Rishton and on Saturday, while coming home from work, I noticed one on a traffic bollard next to the Bentley garage."

Michelle Sisson, manager at Rishton Library, was alerted to the sign by the Observer.

She said: "When they put up the original plaque, there was a ceremony here and all the local dignitaries attended. I don’t know if that has anything to do with it. We always seem to get targeted because we’re right in the middle of the town."

Have you seen any of the blue plaques? If so contact the Observer news desk on 871444.