AN OUTRAGED councillor blasted 'morons' who have left the council with a whooping bill after dozens of drain covers were stolen across the borough.

Cllr Tony Page blasted the spate of thefts across Tilehurst and Southcote which has now seen a total of 40 highway gulley grates disappear in just two weeks.

The thefts are estimated to have cost Reading Borough Council (RBC) around £20,000 so far.

However, the scrap value of the metal is 14p per kilogram, which works out to around £2 per drain cover.

Cllr Page asserted: "The individuals who are taking these gulley covers are being particularly selfish as there could be a serious accident if they are not replaced quickly.

“These thefts are costing Council Tax payers money an average of £500 per theft. What is even more galling is that the value of the scrap metal is very little at just over £2 each per cover. One can only guess what level of moron is stealing these covers.

“I would urge people to keep a look out and call police on 999 if they actually witness someone attempting to take a gulley grate”.

Cllr Page confirmed the council believes it has discovered the culprit and said the authority has been working closely with Thames Valley Police.

He urged anyone who catches someone red-handed trying to steal a drain cover to call 999 immediately.

Cllr Page continued: "There are some potentially horrendous safety implications to these drain covers being stolen.

"That includes danger for cyclists, pedestrians or even motorists.

"If a car has to pull in because it has to go around a wide vehicle it could break an axle."

The council's deputy leader also insisted the authority is being forced to shell out unnecessary cash in times of austerity.

RBC is installing new replacement drain covers which are much harder to steal.

Cllr Page added: "It is an additional burden on the council at a time where we are strapped for cash."

Anyone who spots a missing drain cover should call the Council on (0118) 937 3787.